FASTING GUIDELINES

NPO Guidelines

Prior to receiving anesthesia, every patient must abstain from all food and liquids for a defined period of time.  Park Avenue Anesthesia adheres to the strict guidelines for fasting, as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.  Following these simple rules is the most important thing a patient can do to ensure their safety while under anesthesia. 

In general, patients should have nothing to eat for at least 8 hours prior to their scheduled procedure (unless instructed otherwise by the anesthesiologist).

• Water and/or clear liquids (apple juice, tea, coffee without milk) can be ingested up to 2 hours before the procedure.

• Breast milk may be ingested for up to 4 hours before elective procedures requiring anesthesia.

• A light meal (yogurt, toast, fruit), infant formula, or nonhuman milk may be ingested for up to 6 hours before elective procedures anesthesia.

• A full meal can be eaten up to 8 hours before elective procedures requiring anesthesia.