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Judy,
I have been meaning to get back to you on this, but kept forgetting. We have just had a Competency Fair and I have found out more about the MB issue. In my hospital, when you need to be sure the patient is not aspirating the tube feedings, it is permissable to add a SMALL amount of blue food coloring to the feeding. That way, if you suction the patient and get any blue return, you know there is feeding formula present in the lungs.
WORD OF CAUTION!!
You can give a patient too much blue dye!! Our hospital lets us use the blue dye for only one 24-hour tube feeding run. Do NOT give it continuously or automatically - only upon suspected aspiration of formula.
We will soon be using the blue pellets that kaknurse mentioned.
gypsyrose
4 Posts
We are updating many policies and procedures and came across the one on tube feeding. Several hospitals in the area still use blue food coloring in the feeding. I know it's not very realiable and some are allergic. However, changing mind-sets is very difficult with out documentation or evidenced of standards.
.....How many of you are still using food coloring in tube feeding? If you are/are not please let me know and why.
Thanks Judy