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ASA Physical Status Class Explained
Seen "ASA II" or "ASA III" on your anaesthetic form and wondered what it means? Pick a class below for a clear explanation. It is a communication tool for planning your anaesthetic, not a grade of you as a person.
Frequently asked questions
What is my ASA class?
Your ASA Physical Status is a label your anaesthetist assigns to describe your overall health before surgery. It runs from ASA I (a normal, healthy person) to ASA VI (an organ donor). It is a shorthand for the team, not a judgement of you. Your exact class is decided by the anaesthetist who reviews you, so ask them directly if you want to know yours.
Is a higher ASA number bad or a measure of risk?
A higher number simply means more, or more serious, ongoing medical conditions. It is not a precise risk score and it is not a grade of you as a person. It helps the team plan your anaesthetic carefully. Plenty of people with ASA II or III have safe, routine surgery every day.
What does the E suffix mean (for example ASA III E)?
The letter E stands for Emergency. It is added when the surgery cannot safely wait, for example an urgent operation. It describes the situation of the operation, not an extra problem with you.
Will my ASA class change before surgery?
It can. If a condition such as blood pressure or diabetes is better controlled by the time of surgery, your class may be lower. Getting conditions well managed before your operation is one of the most useful things you can do, so follow any advice from your team.
Who decides the ASA class?
An anaesthetist assigns it after reviewing your history, medicines and any tests. This tool is only a clear explainer so the form makes sense to you. It does not assign you a class or replace your team's assessment.