More than 30% of enteral feeds have been
found to be contaminated by microorganisms,
often as a result of poor feed preparation,
storage and administration (NICE 2012).
Once contaminated, the tube acts as a
reservoir for microorganisms. Effective hand
hygiene can break the transfer of bacteria to
and from the feeding tube (Ho et al 2012).
Wearing non-sterile gloves and using an
aseptic non-touch technique when handling
ports and administration sets are key infection
control measures (DH 2010, NICE 2012).