Pre-Operative NPO Recommendations

Minimum Simplified NPO guidelines (excluding medications) for all ages

  • 2 hours: Clear liquids
    • clear juice with no pulp, plain jello, black coffee, clear sodas
    • prefer Ensure Pre-Surgery clear carbohydrate drink of choice
  • 4 hours: Breast Milk
  • 6 hours: Infant Formula
  • 8 hours: non-clear liquids and solids
    • includes non-human milk, hard candy and chewing tobacco, gastric tube feeds

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