Bacterial contamination of reconstituted and commercially prepared enteral feeds

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of two forms of a commercially available nasogastric tube feed has been assessed in 28 patients receiving fine-bore nasogastric tube feeding. A commercially prepared liquid form of the feed was compared with a powdered form which required reconstitution prior to administration. The effect of differing concentrations of feed on bacterial growth was also assessed. No significant differences in bacterial counts were found, irrespective of the form or concentration of feed used. The bacterial counts of all feeds were significantly greater 6–12 h after commencing the feed than at the start of feeding. Contamination from the feed reservoirs and giving sets may be as important as contamination of the feed itself, therefore careful technique is required in the filling of reservoirs and delivery of the feed as well as in the preparation of the feed.