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kendra494
23rd April 2010, 04:10
We currently use a 2 in 1 TPN system in our NICU which is the practice recommended in all the references I have read. A different pharmacist has started coming into our unit (> 25yrs experience but in adult TPN) and is wanting to change to a 3 in 1 system to allow for 30% lipid emulsion to free up slightly more volume.
I cited all the reasons for the 2 in 1 mixture that I am aware of: separate lipid has larger particle size and requires larger pore size filter of 1.2 microns, whereas a 0.22-micron (bacteria-eliminating) filter can be used for "main" bag when lipids are infused separately, and lipid makes it difficult to visualize precipitate or particulate material in the opaque admixture. I have also read some things about the mixture being less stable at certain concentrations of lipid, electrolytes etc. This is hard for me to confirm since I am not a pharmacist.

So my questions is: are there any other contraindications that I have not listed, and is anyone currently using 3 in 1 systems in their NICU? Thanks for your help.

fcardona
28th April 2010, 09:52
Hi
I am not familiar with the 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 TPN system, could you briefly explain the concept?

kendra494
29th April 2010, 04:08
Absolutely, 2 in 1 means the lipid component of the TPN is hung separately from the bag containing dextrose, protein, vitamins, minerals and other additives. The 3 in 1 also called TNA (total nutrient ad-mixture) is everything in one bag, which is the norm in adult patients.