A McKesson 60 mL Enteral Feeding Piston Irrigation Syringe is a product for cleaning ENFit feeding tubes. ENFit has become the new standard for GI (Gastrointestinal) enteral feeding. Before it was adopted, enteral feeding sets were compatible with almost any connection. This was a problem because medical malpractice resulted in misconnections specifically with TPN (IV feeding) tubes. Misconnections like these resulted in injuries and death so much so that lawmakers in California passed a bill that required enteral products to be enteral specific and not compatible with other kinds of syringe connections. So, in 2015 ENFit was launched with multiple manufacturers onboard to create ENFit specific enteral feeding items for greater patient safety. A single McKesson Syringe with Pole Bag Enfit Tip (McKesson 910) provides a vehicle for non-sterile irrigation of pole bags and feeding tubes using a product like McKesson Saline Irrigation Solution. Meanwhile, a McKesson Individual Pack ENFit Tip Syringe with Cath Tip (McKesson 911) offers sterile irrigation with tamper-proof packaging for further patient safety. So, if you are a patient using ENFit enteral feeding tubes or a clinic that specializes in enteral feedings, then these syringes are right for you.
Importance of Enteral Tube Irrigation
Feeding tube irrigation clears residue from the inside of a tube to restore flow when the tube becomes clogged. Irrigation is needed regularly otherwise the patient will be unable to tube feed. Additionally, clogged feeding tubes can result in patient injury and, in some cases, requiring complete replacement of the feeding tube. In order to prevent enteral clogging, Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center recommends you must flush it once a day if you are using syringes or bags to feed. However, if you use a continuous feeding pump, they recommend flushing the tube every 4 to 6 hours to prevent clogs. Preventing clogs through flushing will help better patient satisfaction by preventing patient injury and refitting of feeding tubes. Also, regular irrigation will save your institution money through reduced replacement costs and labor.
How to Irrigate a Feeding Tube
- Wash Hands and Don a Pair of Exam Gloves
- Follow Tube Feeding Procedure According to your Institution's Protocol
- Position Patient in a Way that Promotes Comfort and Ease of Access
- Check Tube Placement to Ensure Proper Placement
- Connect Syringe and Remove Plunger to Use Tube as a Funnel
- Pinch the Tube Unless it has a Clamp to Pinch Tube Feed
- Fill Syringe with Sterile Water or Saline
- Raise Syringe above the Stomach and Let Water Flow by Gravity Down Tube
- Remove Syringe and Close the Cap
- Wash and Rinse Syringe Well and Allow to Air Dry
Product Features and Benefits
- 60cc (milliliters) Volume Syringe
- Has a Flat Plunger and ENFit Tip
- Compatible with ENFit Connectors
- Disposable
- Made Without Natural Rubber Latex
Product Specifications
- Item Number: 910, 911
- Manufacturer: McKesson
- Color: Clear, Purple
- Material: Plastic
- Application: Enteral Feeding
Manuals and Documents
ENFit Information contains information regarding the history and purpose of ENFit.
- Flushing Your Feeding Tube caontains information about flushing a feeding tube from the Ohio State University.
- Feeding Tube Irrigation: Performing contains information regarding feeding tube irrigation.
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