Specific criteria include Obtundation Heart rate > 100 beats / minute Respiratory rate > 22 breaths / minute Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg) or a 30-mm Hg fall in baseline blood pressure Urine output < 0.5 mL / kg / hour Laboratory findings that support the diagnosis include Lactate > 3 mmol / L (27 mg / dL) Base deficit < − 4 mEq / L PaCO2 < 32 mm Hg (< 4.26 kPa) However, none of these findings alone is diagnostic, and each is evaluated by its trend (ie, worsening or improving) and in the overall clinical context, including physical signs.