Importance Of Using ENFit Products
Using the right connector for tube feeding and administration of medication had been a challenge for many years. One could not always fault the harried nurses and caregivers as they were often bogged down by the sheer workload. The introduction of ENFit has come as a boon that cut short the work of medical facilities and other areas dealing with patient care to a great degree.
It has reduced the possibility of misconnection to a high degree with the FDA giving the nod to manufacturers and users to go ahead with the design. ENFit happens to be a brand name that has ushered in a global chance for all kinds of enteral feeding products. A long time user of such products can find the difference in feeding tubes, syringes, and extension sets designed to eliminate the possibility of misconnections. The use of ENFit connectors has been mandated by the law across California at present with manufacturers and facilities in other states expected to migrate to this new and almost foolproof system.
The incidents of misconnections had been prevalent in the neonatal unit, especially the NICU, where almost every newborn baby had to be fitted with many tubes. It was easy to become confused between the feeding tube and IV connection, with the attendant often misconnecting the ends. This seriously jeopardized the health of the frail baby with many succumbing because of a single mistake.
The kinds of tubes and connectors used by different facilities varied greatly too. This prompted GEDSA (Global Enteral Device Supplier Association) to come into existence with the sole intention of developing the usable and safe design of enteral connectors that would benefit the patients and minimize liability for the facilities.
Changing to the new system is not easy, though with many manufacturers failing to meet the deadline. GEDSA has addressed the issue with a temporary adapter being added to the feeding sets until transitioning to the approved ENFit products. It is advisable to ensure use if ENFit product ASAP, however. This can also reduce choking in babies, in addition to misconnection.
Extensions / Tubing – GEDSA formulated adaptors come with a cap to secure the bag but have no valves to prevent leakage. It is essential to make the transition within the specified period to decrease mishaps in the NICU and other sections of the facility.
Feeding – All connectors recommended by GEDSA are available in identical diameters as the existing connectors. This enables the infants to feed on fortified breast milk and thicker blends made out of different formulas, including homemade ones.
Syringes - The ENFit design is available in a wholly new line of needles available in a variety of sizes. Facilities in the process of transition may continue to use the oral, catheter, Luer tips. The ENFit syringes meant for non-enteral use will remain specific to their purpose.
The neonatal unit also needs to source the best catheterization tray containing several essential equipment to insert catheters.















