Effect of high ambient temperature on contamination and physical stabilityof one-liter Ready-to-Hang enteral delivery systems

The effect of high ambient temperature on the physical stability and bacter ial contamination of 1-L, prefilled, closed enteral feeding systems was exa mined under simulated clinical conditions. One hundred Jevity Ready-to-Hang enteral feeding systems (Abbott Park, IL, USA) were placed in a 37 degrees C incubator for 24 h. The Ready-to-Hang formula containers were visually i nspected at 0 and 24 h. Formula samples were collected from the containers at 24 h and plated on trypticase soy agar. Two samples had insignificant ba cterial growth of one colony-forming unit per milliliter:that was not demon strated in repeat culture. No growth was observed for any other sample. Add itional samples collected from the two apparently contaminated delivery set s showed no growth. No set showed signs of formula instability, such as coa gulation, clumping, or curdling. These findings suggest that, even at a hig h ambient temperature of 37 degrees C, the risk of bacterial contamination or compromised physical integrity is very low with the use of 1-L, prefille d, closed enteral feeding systems. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 2000.