Enteral tube feeding and infection control: how safe is our practice?

Enteral feed provides an ideal environment for the development of bacteria. Contamination of an enteral feeding system can have serious complications for the susceptible patient. This article explores the sources and symptoms of bacterial contamination within enteral feeding systems and makes recommendations on how these risks can be minimized. Manufacturers have acted to reduce contamination by enclosing enteral tube feeds within sterile bottles or collapsible packs. National guidance exists to provide standards for the handling of enteral feeding systems but at a clinical level poor hand hygiene and handling procedures are still identified as the main source of contamination indicating that there is a gap between practice and recommended standards of care. Nurses have a vital role to play implementation appropriate standards of care and in minimizing risks of bacterial contamination in enteral feeding systems.