The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised healthcare providers to use filters whenever parenteral nutrition is administered, after incidents linked to unfiltered delivery included an embolism with a fatal outcome.
The regulator says every parenteral nutrition solution should pass through a filter with a pore size no larger than 1.2 micrometres. For aqueous, lipid-free solutions, it describes a 0.2-micrometre filter as good practice where one is available.
MHRA also advises changing filters and administration sets with each new nutrition container, in line with shelf life and infection-control policies. Integrated filters are preferred, although add-on filters are acceptable when infection-control guidance is followed.
Patients or carers who administer parenteral nutrition at home should receive training if an add-on filter is needed and should raise any concerns with their clinical team. Suspected adverse effects can be reported through the UK Yellow Card scheme.
