How it's calculated
One point for each of 8 yes/no criteria — Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure/hypertension, BMI, Age, Neck circumference, Gender — for a total score of 0-8.
STOP-BANG risk categories
| Score | Risk of OSA |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low risk |
| 3-4 | Intermediate risk |
| 5-8 | High risk of moderate-to-severe OSA |
Clinical use
- Used as a rapid pre-operative and general screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea risk.
- A high score (5-8) should prompt referral for a formal sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep apnoea testing) and extra vigilance with sedatives/opioids and post-operative monitoring.
- High sensitivity for moderate-to-severe OSA makes it useful as a screen even though it is not diagnostic on its own.
Frequently asked questions
What does STOP-BANG stand for?
Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (hypertension), BMI, Age, Neck circumference, Gender.
Is STOP-BANG diagnostic for sleep apnoea?
No — it is a screening tool. A high score should prompt referral for a formal sleep study rather than being treated as a diagnosis.
Why does anaesthesia care about STOP-BANG?
Undiagnosed OSA increases the risk of difficult airway management and post-operative respiratory depression with opioids/sedatives, so many pre-operative assessments include it routinely.
References
- Chung F, et al. STOP-Bang Questionnaire: A Practical Approach to Screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Chest. 2016;149(3):631-638.
- Chung F, et al. High STOP-Bang score indicates a high probability of obstructive sleep apnoea. Br J Anaesth. 2012.