Paediatric Endotracheal Tube (ETT) Size and Depth Calculator
Calculates appropriate uncuffed and cuffed ETT size, and insertion depth for children based on age. Based on validated age-based formulas used in APLS/EPLS guidelines.
Score interpretation
Age-based ETT calculation -- verify against actual child and have sizes above and below ready
→ Prepare: calculated size ETT + one size above + one size below; check cuff if using cuffed tube (cuff pressure < 20 cmH2O); confirm placement clinically (bilateral chest rise, equal air entry, absence of gastric sounds) AND end-tidal CO2 waveform capnography; CXR to confirm tip at T2-T4 (2-3 cm above carina); secure ETT at calculated lip depth; monitor continuously; document ETT size and lip depth in resuscitation record; APLS drug doses: use WETFLAG chart or weight-based calculation; weight estimate if not known: (age + 4) x 2 kg for 1-10 years (APLS formula).
Interpretation bands for the Paediatric ETT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) 6th edition. Wiley-Blackwell / Advanced Life Support Group. 2016.
- Khine HH et al. Comparison of cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in young children during general anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 1997;86(3):627-631.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
- Iron Supplementation (Paediatric) · Iron Supplement — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.