How to Clean and Replace Enteral Feeding Supplies

When using enteral feeding supplies, consistent cleaning and maintenance are key to protecting your health and ensuring accurate nutrition. Learn more about how to clean, maintain, and when to replace enteral feeding equipment.

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1. Why Consistent Cleaning and Replacement Matters
2. Daily Maintenance and Cleaning
3. How To Properly Flush Tubing
4. When To Replace Enteral Feeding Supplies
5. Common Mistakes When Cleaning and Reusing Equipment
6. Keeping Backup Feeding Bags, Tubing, and Syringes on Hand

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your enteral feeding supplies are essential for preventing contamination and reducing the risk of infection. Residual formula and medication buildup in enteral feeding supplies create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This blog is a guide to cleaning, maintaining, and replacing enteral feeding supplies to help prevent infection and potential complications.

Enteral feeding supplies consistently come into contact with fluids such as formula, medications, and even bodily fluids, which all cause buildup, residue, and bacteria. Buildup in your enteral feeding supplies can cause significant issues, including:

• Bacterial Contamination and Infection:
  Moist areas, like the inside of a feeding bag, can breed harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
• Blockages and Clogging:
  Dried buildup and residue can block tubing, preventing formula from passing through properly, limiting nutrition or medication doses.
• Leaks and Cracks:
  Enteral feeding components are usually made of plastic, which can break down from consistent moisture exposure.

• Flush Tubing:
  After each use, flush the tubing with warm water. For continuous feedings, flush tubing every four hours. Flushing tubing also provides additional hydration that your formula can't alone.
• Rinse Feeding Sets:
  Rinse feeding bags and other feeding accessories immediately after use. Getting fresh formula out of feeding bags is much easier than removing dried formula, so don't wait! Avoid using soap, as it can be difficult to rinse out completely.
• Wash Syringes:
  Clean syringes between each use with warm water and a gentle dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and allow parts to dry before using again.
• Air Dry:
  Allow all enteral feeding items to completely air dry before using them again.
• Inspect Supplies:
  Even with proper cleaning, enteral supplies can wear out or break down more quickly than expected. Inspect your feeding bags and tubing for any signs of damage or wear.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Fill a clean bowl with warm water.
3. Using a syringe, draw up the prescribed amount of water.
4. Open the feeding port cap and insert the syringe tip.
5. Slowly depress the plunger to flush the tubing.
6. Remove the syringe once empty.

• Feeding Bags:
  Replace your feeding bag every 24 hours. However, if needed, you can reuse the same feeding bag for up to two days if you rinse it properly between uses.
• Tubing:
  Replace every 3 to 6 months, or as recommended by your doctor. If tubing shows any signs of wear, cracking, or discoloration, replace it immediately.
• Extension Sets:
  Replace every week, or sooner if there are any signs of wear or damage.
• Syringes:
  Replace every few days if used multiple times a day, or weekly if used less frequently.

NOTE: These are general guidelines. Replacement guidelines may vary among different manufacturers. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for replacing and reusing their product.

• Label With Dates:
  Label feeding sets with the date when you start using a new set.
• Set Reminders On Your Phone:
  Set repeating alarms on your phone that remind you when to change to new tubing, extension sets, feeding bags, and other accessories.

• Skipping Flushes:
  Flushing tubing after every feed can seem overwhelming or even unnecessary, especially if the tubing still appears clean. However, even microscopic residue that is invisible to the naked eye can harbor bacteria. Flushing between medication doses also helps prevent chemical interactions between different medications.
• Reusing for Too Long:
  Some may try to save money by reusing the same equipment beyond its recommended lifespan. Manufacturers design most enteral feeding supplies for single use. Reusing them past their intended lifespan can be dangerous. Formula residue can easily build up, which may cause infection and even hospital visits that are far more costly.
• Not Washing Your Hands:
  Neglecting to wash your hands before handling or cleaning enteral feeding equipment can pass on harmful bacteria.
• Using Boiling Water for Sanitizing:
  Most enteral feeding supplies are made of plastic, which is not designed to withstand high heat. Using boiling water can easily warp and damage feeding components.
• Not Regularly Inspecting Equipment:
  Even well-maintained equipment can break down faster than expected. Inspect all supplies regularly to check for signs of damage, discoloration, odors, cracks, or leaks.

Having extra feeding supplies on hand (especially frequently replaced supplies like feeding bags or syringes) helps prevent feeding interruptions and unnecessary stress waiting for new supplies.

Backup supplies are great for emergencies, but they should also be a consistent part of your feeding routine. It can take feeding bags up to 24 hours to fully air dry, so having extra on hand ensures your feedings stay on schedule.