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Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test calculates a score based on your blood test results, liver function, and bilirubin levels to assess how severe your liver disease may be and how quickly it might progress.

Quick summary

["A MELD score helps doctors decide if you need liver transplant or other treatments."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
100348-2
Short code
MELDNa score
Synonyms
MELDNa score
Category
electrolyte
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What the Test Measures

The MELD score combines three key measurements from your blood: - Bilirubin (a waste product from red blood cells), - International Normalized Ratio (INR, a measure of how long it takes for your blood to clot), - Creatinine (a waste product from muscles, indicating how well your kidneys filter blood).

How the Score Determines Treatment

Your doctor uses the MELD score to estimate your risk of complications like bleeding, infections, or liver failure. Higher scores suggest more severe liver disease and greater urgency for medical intervention.

Why It Matters for You

This score helps doctors plan your care, including whether you need a liver transplant or other supportive treatments to manage your condition safely.

Common Uses in Care

Doctors use the MELD score to decide if you qualify for liver transplant programs, monitor disease progression, and guide decisions about medications or hospital stays.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: The MELD Score is a standardized tool used primarily in liver disease to predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions, especially for patients with cirrhosis or advanced liver failure. It’s not a standalone test but a calculated composite based on lab results to assess overall liver health and risk.

Short name

MELD Score

Frequently asked questions

What does a MELD score tell me about my liver health?
A MELD score reflects the severity of your liver disease and helps doctors estimate how quickly it might worsen. Higher scores indicate more advanced liver damage and increased risk of complications like bleeding, infections, or liver failure.
How is the MELD score calculated?
The score is calculated using your blood test results for bilirubin, INR, and creatinine, along with a formula developed by doctors to combine these values into a single score.
Can I lower my MELD score with lifestyle changes?
While you can’t directly change the MELD score itself, managing your liver health through diet, avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated, and following your doctor’s advice may help slow disease progression and improve overall well-being.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy