Particulate contamination in parenteral nutrition solutions: still a cause for concern?

OBJECTIVES: In consideration of a US Federal Drug Administration recommendation that all parenteral nutrition admixtures should be administered through an in-line filtration device, this observational study examined the number, size distribution, and sources of particulate contamination in parenteral nutrition admixture infusion systems. METHODS: Samples were drawn from the terminal connection of the infusion tubing before connection to the patient. The particles were sized and counted by optical microscopy and further investigated by electron microscopy and energy disperse spectroscopy. RESULTS: Large numbers of particles were found, and information gained about their possible origin. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further support for the adoption of this Federal Drug Administration recommendation.