Resuscitation · NRP
Suction Catheter Size
Suction catheter size (French) for the intubated newborn by endotracheal tube inner diameter, per NRP 9th Edition Lesson 5.
ETT size (mm ID)
—Fr
Reference — NRP 9th Edition Table 5-1
| ETT (mm ID) | Suction catheter |
|---|
Meconium suction through ETT12–14 Fr (if performed)
Wall suction pressure80–100 mm Hg
Technique
- Insert to the tip of the ETT (do not go beyond).
- Apply suction while withdrawing — no more than 5 seconds per pass.
- Monitor heart rate and SpO₂ throughout; stop if HR falls.
- Routine tracheal suctioning of a non-vigorous newborn with meconium-stained fluid is no longer recommended in NRP 9th Edition — proceed with PPV as usual.
Clinical decision support only. Follow the NRP 9th Edition and your institutional intubation and suctioning protocols. Designed and written by C. A. Leyva, MD — a certified neonatologist and NRP provider. PediaSuite is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the AAP or AHA.
Reviewed by C. A. Leyva, MD, neonatologist · Last reviewed September 2026
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 9th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2025. Lesson 5: Endotracheal Intubation, Table 5-1.
- Lee HC, Strand ML, Finan E, et al. Part 5: Neonatal Resuscitation: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025;152(16 Suppl 2):S385–S423. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001367
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