Aldrete score, also known as Post Anesthesia Recovery Score (PAR-Score), is one of several scoring systems that aid clinicians in ensuring individuals are safely discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after an intervention with local, regional, or general anesthesia.

The original score from 1970 is based on five criteria, including:

1. respiration

2. circulation

3. consciousness

4. skin color

5. and level of activity.

Patients in the recovery PACU are assessed on each of these parameters, receiving a score from 0 to 2 according to their status. The points are then summed up to determine the individual's readiness for discharge from the unit.

In 1995, Jorge Antonio Aldrete, the Mexican anesthesiologist who developed the score, adapted it to keep up with advancements in medical knowledge and techniques. More specifically, he incorporated pulse oximetry into the score, creating the modified Aldrete scoring, which is more commonly used today. Instead of evaluating skin coloration, measuring oxygen saturation (i.e., SpO2) has allowed a more accurate assessment of blood oxygenation.

For individuals undergoing anesthesia on an ambulatory basis (i.e., same-day surgery), additional parameters, such as pain, ambulation, urinary output, feeding, nausea, and vomiting, may be assessed and graded zero to two to assess if the individual is ready to be discharged home. 

Furthermore, to determine the recovery time and discharge of the individual, other measures or scores, such as the ‘Post Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System’ (PADSS); the individual’s comorbidities; specific signs or symptoms, like unregulated temperature; complications, such as neuromuscular, respiratory, or cardiovascular functional alterations; the individual’s discharge plan; administrative limitations; and other factors, may be considered.