Ranson score = 0
Mild pancreatitis, admit to the floor

Pancreatitis severity scoring system: if score ≥ 3 while in ED, admit to ICU instead of the floor (source: PEER VIII)

One point for each criteria met.

At admission
48 hours into admission

Total Score

Severe pancreatitis is usually defined as Ranson score ≥ 3-4 and warrants ICU admission.

Other score calculators (ex: APACHE II, BISAP) have demonstrated improved prediction over Ranson score and can be fully calculated in the ED, instead of at 48 hours.

 Ranson, JH et al. "Prognostic signs and the role of operative management in acute pancreatitis". Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics. 1974; 139(1): 69–81.