ARDS resource

ARDSNet Protocol – Low Tidal Volume Ventilation Guide

NIH ARDS Clinical Network protocol for low tidal volume ventilation in ARDS. This lung-protective strategy remains a core ICU reference, and the original protocol is embedded here for fast clinical review.

View Protocol Pages Open ARDSNet Assistant Download Printable PDF

Tidal Volume Target

4–6 mL/kg IBW

Low tidal volume ventilation to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.

Pressure Guardrail

Plateau ≤ 30

Helps preserve lung protection while balancing ventilation and recruitment.

Oxygenation Strategy

PEEP / FiO₂ Tables

Use standardized lower and higher PEEP approaches to guide oxygen support.

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.

Related PulmTools Calculators & Guides

Apply the ARDSNet protocol using our interactive tools and deepen your understanding with step-by-step clinical guides.

ARDSNet Calculator (PEEP / FiO₂ Assistant)IBW + Tidal Volume Calculator P/F Ratio & Oxygenation Index Tool P/F Ratio Explained (Clinical Guide)