Microbial contamination of enteral feeding solutions in a community hospital

Seven related studies were done to estimate the type and amount of contamination that occurred in nutrient feeding solution when administered according to procedure in a community hospital. The initial study was done in a simulated nonclinical setting with select technicians monitoring for gavage systems delivering a commercially prepared nutrient feeding solution. The solution remained sterile over 48 hr. In the second study, various nurses maintained the enteral feeding simulations unaware of the objective of study. Significant contamination was found, but a decrease occurred when the study was duplicated and the nurses were made aware that contamination was the issue being studied. The subsequent study had all gavage equipment in clinical use in the hospital on a given day cultured for microbial contamination. Significant contamination was present and did not decrease when the study was duplicated following inservice training. Suggestions for standards of care are made.