ASA Physical Status Classification
A six-category grading system (ASA I–VI) developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists to stratify a patient's preoperative physical health and anesthetic risk.
Full Definition
The ASA Physical Status Classification System assigns patients a score from ASA I (normal healthy patient) through ASA VI (brain-dead organ donor) based on the presence and severity of systemic disease. In dental anesthesiology, the classification is routinely recorded in the preoperative assessment and informs decisions about the appropriateness of office-based sedation or anesthesia. ASA I and II patients are generally considered suitable for office-based procedures, while ASA III patients require individual risk–benefit analysis and ASA IV patients are typically managed only in a hospital setting. Editors should use Roman numerals (I–VI) when rendering the classification and avoid Arabic numerals. The system is abbreviated 'ASA PS' in some clinical literature; editors should confirm the preferred house style.
Usage
Usage note: Use Roman numerals (ASA I, ASA II, etc.), not Arabic (ASA 1, ASA 2). The full form 'ASA Physical Status Classification' should be written out at first mention; the abbreviation 'ASA PS' is acceptable in subsequent references in technical documents.
In Context
- "The anesthesia record listed the patient's ASA Physical Status Classification as ASA II due to well-controlled hypertension." — Preoperative assessment form
- "Office-based general anesthesia is generally contraindicated for patients classified ASA IV or higher." — Clinical guideline document