NPO Guidelines
Summary of Fasting Recommendations
Ingested Material Minimal Fasting Period
These recommendations apply to healthy patients who are undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. Following the Guidelines does not guarantee complete gastric emptying. The fasting periods noted above apply to patients of all ages.
Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices with- out pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee. Because nonhuman milk is similar to solids in gastric emp- tying time, the amount ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.
A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Dry toast/bread - white or wheat (no nuts, seeds, dried fruit or whole kernel grains in or on the bread.
Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong gastric emptying time. Additional fasting time (e.g., 8 h or more) may be needed in these cases.
Practice Guidelines Anesthesiology 2011; 114:495–511
Ingested Material Minimal Fasting Period
- Clear liquids 2 hr
- Breast milk 4 hr
- Infant formula 6 hr
- Nonhuman milk 6 hr
- Dry toast (see note below) 6 hr
- Solids 8 hr
These recommendations apply to healthy patients who are undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. Following the Guidelines does not guarantee complete gastric emptying. The fasting periods noted above apply to patients of all ages.
Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices with- out pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee. Because nonhuman milk is similar to solids in gastric emp- tying time, the amount ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period.
A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Dry toast/bread - white or wheat (no nuts, seeds, dried fruit or whole kernel grains in or on the bread.
Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong gastric emptying time. Additional fasting time (e.g., 8 h or more) may be needed in these cases.
Practice Guidelines Anesthesiology 2011; 114:495–511
