Aseptic techniques used to administer parenteral nutrition and home parenteral nutrition at intestinal failure centres
Abstract
Background: Aseptic technique during the administration of parenteral nutrition/home parenteral nutrition (PN/HPN) errs towards poorly described traditional aseptic/sterile approaches. This study aimed to identify procedures and the evidence underpinning practice in intestinal failure centres.
Method: A novel approach was taken using documentary analysis. PN/HPN administration procedures used at NHS England-commissioned intestinal failure centres were requested by email.
Results: The response rate was 57%, and 16 documents were analysed. Techniques were described as aseptic technique (n=2), aseptic non-touch technique (n=6) or sterile aseptic non-touch technique (n=1) or were not named (n=7). Sterile gloves were used in 13 (81%) procedures described and non-sterile gloves in 3 (19%). A sterile field was recommended in most procedures (94%). Scrub time of the hub was not stipulated in 7 (44%) procedures. Few documents included relevant citations or evidence.
Conclusion: There is variation in aseptic techniques used to administer PN/HPN in intestinal failure centres with no clear evidence base. Nurses need to review procedures to ensure practice is evidence based and environmentally sustainable.
Date
2025-07-03
Type
Article
Subject
Nursing::Nursing care, Gastroenterology, Diseases & disorders of systemic, metabolic or environmental origin::Diet & nutrition, Microbiology. Immunology
Collections
Citation
Fletcher J, Malhi H, Topping A. Aseptic techniques used to administer parenteral nutrition and home parenteral nutrition at intestinal failure centres. Br J Nurs. 2025 Jul 3;34(13):S18-S26. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2025.0103.
Journal / Source Title
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
DOI
10.12968/bjon.2025.0103
PMID
40601561
Publisher
MA Healthcare
Publisher’s URL
http://www.magonlinelibrary.com/toc/bjon/current