NPO guidelines for studies

The Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine is now in compliance with the fasting guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The new NPO rules for CHLA are belo.

All patients will be made NPO 2 hours prior to the scheduled procedure start time.
The patient may have clear liquids by mouth until 2 hours prior to the scheduled procedure start time.
The patient may have breast milk by mouth until 4 hours before the scheduled procedure start time.
The patient may have formula by mouth until 6 hours before the scheduled procedure start time.
The patient may have solid food by mouth until 8 hours before the scheduled procedure start time.

Longer NPO times may be necessary for children with pathologic conditions which delay gastric emptying. Any questions should be addressed to the anesthesiologist (attending or trainee) responsible for the child's care.

Current as of 10/8/03