RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the risk to patients' health when using home-prepared enteral tube feeding. The objective of this study was to explore the differences in hygiene conditions and microbial load of different types of home-prepared enteral tube feeding and explore associations between those differences and food handlers' characteristics. METHODS: We evaluated 96 enteral formulations, considering 3 types used by adult patients: homemade enteral preparations (HEPs), blended enteral preparations (BEPs), and commercial enteral formulas (CEFs). Enteral formulations were collected from homes and microbiologically analyzed. Hygiene criteria were assessed using a checklist, applied during the handling stages. The profile of the food handler was reviewed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: 82.3% (79/96) exceeded acceptable bacterial counts, which was 10³ colony-forming units per gram for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and for total coliforms (35 °C), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp, and Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, if present in the enteral formulations. The number of inadequate samples was higher in HEPs and BEPs than in CEFs. Considering the hygiene criteria, the home-prepared enteral tube feedings did not differ significantly. There was a significant difference among hygiene conditions considering the variables "monthly family income" and "food training." CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of enteral formulations used by patients, when handled at home, there was a risk of contamination. However, contaminants present in enteral formulations can be easily controlled with improvements in hygiene measures as well as with greater guidance and control during the handling stages.
