Lab values
Pediatric Vital Signs by Age
Awake ranges taken from PALS tables; sources differ a little, so trend them.
| Test | US units | SI units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (to 1 month) | HR 100–205, RR 30–60, SBP 67–84 | HR 100–205, RR 30–60, SBP 67–84 | Asleep HR 85–160 |
| Infant (1–12 months) | HR 100–190, RR 30–60, SBP 72–104 | HR 100–190, RR 30–60, SBP 72–104 | Asleep HR 90–160 |
| Age 1–2 years | HR 100–190, RR 24–40, SBP 86–106 | HR 100–190, RR 24–40, SBP 86–106 | Asleep HR 90–160 |
| Age 2–3 years | HR 98–140, RR 24–40, SBP 86–106 | HR 98–140, RR 24–40, SBP 86–106 | |
| Age 3–4 years | HR 80–140, RR 24–40, SBP 89–112 | HR 80–140, RR 24–40, SBP 89–112 | |
| Age 4–6 years | HR 75–140, RR 22–34, SBP 89–112 | HR 75–140, RR 22–34, SBP 89–112 | HR 80–140 at 4–5 years |
| Age 6–10 years | HR 75–140, RR 18–30, SBP 97–115 | HR 75–140, RR 18–30, SBP 97–115 | |
| Age 10–12 years | HR 75–118, RR 18–30, SBP 102–120 | HR 75–118, RR 18–30, SBP 102–120 | |
| Age 12 and older | HR 60–100, RR 15–20, SBP 110–131 | HR 60–100, RR 15–20, SBP 110–131 | |
| Hypotension (SBP) | Below 60 (first month), below 70 (1–12 months), below 70 + (2 × age) at 1–10 years, below 90 from 10 years | Below 60 (first month), below 70 (1–12 months), below 70 + (2 × age) at 1–10 years, below 90 from 10 years | |
| Minimum SBP, 1–10 years | 70 + (2 × age in years) mm Hg | 70 + (2 × age in years) mm Hg | A 4-year-old below 78 mm Hg is hypotensive |
Study the labs
- ABG Interpretation in 6 StepspH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, compensation, anion gap and oxygenation, with worked examples
- Electrolyte ImbalancesNa, K, Ca, Mg and phos: normals, ECG clues, safe replacement, hyperkalemia steps
- Pediatric Assessment and EmergenciesPAT, vital signs, airway infections, febrile seizures, dehydration, arrest, choking and abuse
Other lab values
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Coagulation
- Arterial blood gas
- Liver and pancreas
- Cardiac
- Therapeutic drug levels
- Urine
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Newborn
- Pediatric labs that differ from adults
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Sources
- NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines 2022 (from AHA PALS tables and Fleming 2011)
For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Typical adult values for study. Follow your local protocols and medical direction.