Blenderized Tube Feeding: Suggested Guidelines to Clinicians

Abstract

tubing available in the U. S. for use with these products cannot hang for more than 24 hours (so this touted 48 hour benefit is not really a benefit). Studies have demonstrated that the microbial quality of hospitalprepared BTF was not within the published guidelines for safety.2-3 However, in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, the use of hospitalprepared formula is a routine practice due to economic or cultural reasons.2-4 Compared with commercial formulas, preparation of BTF can be labor intensive and the cost (is rarely, if ever) covered in medical plans. In addition, there are food safety concerns and uncertainty about the nutritional value of non-standardized recipes. For these reasons, clinicians are hesitant to recommend this option to an already stressed and exhausted patient and /or caregiver. Several studies have shown that hospitalprepared formulas provided unpredictable levels of macro and micronutrients, delivered less than the desired amounts of nutrients, and increased the risk of INTRODUCTION