Safety Alert: Filters Required for Parenteral Nutrition Administration

The MHRA has issued a Drug Safety Update advising that filters must be used during the administration of all parenteral nutrition solutions in every care setting.

Administration of parenteral nutrition without a filter has been associated with serious adverse incidents, including an embolism resulting in a fatal outcome. The use of an appropriate filter reduces the risk of air embolism and particulate contamination entering the bloodstream.

Who this affects

This safety update applies to all neonatal, paediatric and adult patients receiving parenteral nutrition in hospital, community and home care settings. It is relevant to all healthcare professionals involved in prescribing, preparing or administering parenteral nutrition.

Action Required

Please take the following actions:

• Ensure all parenteral nutrition solutions are administered using a filter with a pore size no larger than 1.2 μm.
• Where the parenteral nutrition solution is aqueous (lipid-free), use a 0.2 μm filter where available, as good practice.
• Use administration sets with integrated filters where possible. If these are not available, use an appropriate add-on filter in line with local infection prevention guidance.
• Update local protocols and ensure all relevant clinical staff are aware of this MHRA guidance.
• Ensure patients and carers administering parenteral nutrition at home receive training where add-on filters are required.

Further Information

Please refer to the MHRA Drug Safety Update for the full details, including filter recommendations, guidance for healthcare professionals, advice for patients and carers, and implementation guidance for healthcare providers.

View MHRA Drug Safety Update

Questions

For queries regarding this safety update, please contact your local Pharmacy Department, Nutrition Support Team, or Medicines Safety Team.

Priority

Critical – Immediate action required

This MHRA Drug Safety Update requires immediate implementation across all care settings. All parenteral nutrition solutions must be administered using an appropriate filter to reduce the risk of serious patient harm, including embolism.