PO Consumption Prior to Anesthesia and/or Sedation
ASA Guidelines: Fasting Recommendations
| ASA Guidelines: Fasting Recommendations to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration |
|---|
| Clear liquids: 2 hrs |
| Breast milk: 4 hrs |
| Infant formula, non-human milk, or light meal: 6 hrs |
These recommendations apply to healthy patients who are undergoing elective procedures. They are not intended for women in labor. Clear liquids include water, fruit juices w/o pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee. Since non-human milk is similar to solids in gastric emptying time, the amount ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period. A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong gastric emptying time. Both the amount and type of foods ingested must be considered when determining the
appropriate fasting period
Medical Prophylaxis against Pulmonary Aspiration
The Task Force does NOT recommend routine administration of any medications to reduce the risk or ameliorate the effects of pulmonary aspiration [Anesthesiology 90: 896, 1999]
