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Microbial growth in clinically used enteral delivery systems
American Journal of Infection Control
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Enteral formula contamination is common, occurring in 61% of samples, especially in reconstituted formulas. Prefilled bags may delay contamination compared to refilled bags, but distal tubing remains a key contamination site.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Infection Control
Background:
- Enteral formula contamination poses a risk, leading to policies limiting formula hangtimes.
- Refilling enteral administration bags can introduce contamination.
- The efficacy of prefilled pouches versus refilled bags in preventing contamination requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare enteral formula contamination rates between prefilled pouches and standard refilled administration bags.
- To identify key sites of microbial growth within the enteral delivery system.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study over 57 days involving 19 patients receiving enteral hyperalimentation.
- Culturing of enteral formula samples from various points in the delivery system.
- Comparison of contamination in prefilled 1000 ml pouches versus refilled bags with a 4-hour hangtime.
Main Results:
- Overall enteral formula contamination rate was 61%.
- Greatest microbial growth occurred in reconstituted enteral formulas.
- No significant difference in contamination was found between canned formulas (4-hour hangtime) and prefilled pouches.
- Highest microbial growth was consistently observed at the distal tubing hub.
Conclusions:
- Prefilled enteral administration bags may delay contamination in the administration reservoir.
- Contamination likely occurs during system manipulation or from the patient, particularly at the distal tubing hub.
- Further investigation into equipment design to minimize manipulation of feeding sets and connections is recommended.