ARDSNet Protocol – Low Tidal Volume Ventilation Guide
NIH ARDS Clinical Network protocol for low tidal volume ventilation in ARDS. This lung-protective ventilation strategy is widely used in ICU and respiratory therapy practice and is embedded here for quick clinical reference.
What is the ARDSNet Protocol?
The ARDSNet protocol is an evidence-based lung-protective ventilation strategy designed to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
It emphasizes:
- Low tidal volume ventilation (4–6 mL/kg IBW using the IBW calculator)
- Plateau pressure ≤ 30 cmH₂O
- PEEP/FiO₂ titration strategies
- Permissive hypercapnia when appropriate
This protocol is widely used in ICU and respiratory therapy practice and is associated with improved mortality outcomes in ARDS patients.
Want a step-by-step ventilator setup? Use the ARDSNet Calculator & Assistant to apply this protocol to real patient values.
Download a printable PDF
Related PulmTools Calculators & Guides
Apply the ARDSNet protocol using our interactive tools and deepen your understanding with step-by-step clinical guides.
Coming Soon:
Custom calculators & tools that automatically apply ARDSNet recommendations to your patient data.