Comparison of Dosing Accuracy Between the ENFit LDT and a Neonatal-Specific ISO-Compliant Enteral Syringe.

objectiveTo evaluate the dosing accuracy of 2 female enteral syringe types for use in neonates.

methodsThis was an

resultsA total of 300 tests were performed (LDT = 150, NS2 = 150) with 3 syringe sizes (0.5, 1, 3 or 2.5 mL). Compared with NS2, LDT had significantly more tests with unacceptable DV (48% vs 4.7%, p < 0.0001) and higher absolute DV (11.9% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001). Dosing variance was inversely proportional to syringe size, where the smallest syringes were least accurate (0.5 mL LDT 16.1% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001). The largest syringes had acceptable DV (3 mL LDT 8.8% vs 2.5 mL NS2 3.3%, p < 0.001). Bulk bottle with adapters demonstrated a higher DV with LDT compared with NS2 (13.3% vs 3.9%, p < 0.001). Medication cups without adapters were associated with acceptable DV for both LDT and NS2 (9.7% vs 2.9%, p < 0.001).

conclusionsThe Nutrisafe2 syringe has greater dosing accuracy as compared with ENFit LDT syringe. Smaller syringes are associated with greater dosing inaccuracy, but this effect was within acceptable DV for the NS2 syringe. Bulk bottle adapters did not improve the accuracy of the LDT. More clinical evaluations are needed to determine if the ENFit can be safely used in the neonatal population.