There are relatively recent guidelines that some of us may not be told about. Ann Fonfa heard a radio program from Gary Null in which the new regulations were outlined. There is quite a difference. From the website of the American Society of Anesthesiologists: NPO GUIDELINES: A. Verification of NPO status in adult patients shall occur before the start of sedation and analgesia and the patient shall be NPO for at least 4 hours prior to the procedure unless the physician has weighed the benefits for a shorter NPO period and it is documented in the medical record. B. Verification of NPO status in pediatric patients shall occur before the start of sedation and analgesia. For elective procedures, the child shall receive no solids or non-human milk for 4 hours before sedation unless the risk of nutritional deprivation outweighs the benefit of NPO in the estimation of the physician. Small amounts of clear liquids or human milk are acceptable up to 2 hours before sedation and analgesia. Children at risk for regurgitation or aspiration (e.g., known gastro-esophageal reflux, extreme obesity) may benefit from pharmacologic therapy to reduce gastric volume and increase gastric pH before sedation or from a longer NPO period of time prior to the procedure. If delayed gastric emptying is present, an Anesthesiology or GI consult should be considered before sedation and analgesia. C. Certain radiologic procedures require the administration of oral fluids in conjunction with sedation and analgesia. Risk of aspiration during these procedures must be weighed against the benefits of sedation and analgesia. MORE TO COME Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.