Department of Anesthesiology Fasting Guidelines 1

Ingested Material

Minimum Fasting Period

Clear Liquids 2

2 hours

Breast Milk

4 hours

Infant Formula

6 hours

Non-human milk

6 hours

Dry toast only

6 hours

All solids for pregnant women

8 hours

All other solids and liquids

8 hours

1 Based on American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration.

2 Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee without cream or sugar.