REDUCING BACTERIAL-CONTAMINATION OF ENTERAL FEEDS

Objective-It has previously been shown that microbial contamination of enteral feeds given to children its hospital and at home is common. T his study therefore examined the effects of improvements in the entera l feeding protocol, coupled with an intensive staff training programme , on bacterial contamination. Methods-The enteral feeding protocol was modified by: priming the feeding set on an alcohol treated metal tray , spraying the bottle opener and tap with 70% alcohol, wearing non-ste rile disposable gloves, and filling the feeding reservoir with feed fo r up, to 24 hours' use rather than only four hours. Daily feeds sample s were collected from 16 inpatients and home patients on enteral nutri tion at the start and end of feeding. Seventy seven samples were cultu red. Results were compared with previously published control data. Res ults-Enteral feed contamination rates were reduced significantly from 62% to 6% of feeds given at home (p < 0.001), and from 45% to 4% of fe eds given in hospital (p < 0.001). Conclusions-This study highlights t he importance of using an appropriate enteral feeding protocol, and of regular staff training in reducing contamination rates of enteral fee ds re, an acceptable level.