ASA Physical Status Classification System

What is ASA classification?

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system is a grading system to determine the health of a person before a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia.

The purpose of ASA classification is to:

• Keep a record of your health before surgery.
• Provide a uniform system for all anesthesiologists to use.
• Help predict your risk of surgical complications, along with other factors like the type of surgery, your age, the extent of the procedure, surgery timeframe and more.

Note: On its own, the ASA classification system isn’t a prediction of the outcome of surgery. This classification can help determine your surgical risk but isn’t the only factor that a surgical team considers.

What is ASA?

ASA is an abbreviation for the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The American Society of Anesthetists, an organization that later became the ASA, created the classification system in 1941.

What are the ASA classification guidelines?

ASA classification uses a grading system of I (one) through V (five), with I identifying a person in good health and V as a person with a severe, life-threatening condition. The sixth (VI) status identifies deceased organ donors.

The ASA provides examples for adults and children in each grade. The hospital in which you receive care may have more specific examples related to their specialties in addition to the examples provided by ASA.

ASA classification chart

When is the ASA classification used?

Your care team will use the ASA classification system before you receive anesthesia for surgery on the day of your procedure. They’ll determine your ASA score shortly before your surgery to get the most accurate status.

Who is an anesthesiologist?

An anesthesiologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in giving people anesthesia. Anesthesia is a medication that prevents you from feeling pain during a surgical procedure. Some anesthetic medications numb certain parts of your body, while other medications numb your brain to induce sleep for more invasive surgical procedures. An anesthesiologist will monitor you during your procedure so you don’t feel any pain.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

The ASA classification system is a grade that helps your anesthesiologist prepare for your surgery. It may be uncomfortable having your health marked with a “grade,” but this is a form of record keeping to monitor your treatment and make sure you’re getting adequate care catered to your specific needs on the day of your surgery. This classification system doesn’t identify your risk of surgery and should only be used with other factors to evaluate the risks of the procedure.