MHRA: Filters should be used during the administration of Parenteral Nutrition for patients in all care settings (2 September 2026)

Summary

Administration of parenteral nutrition without a filter has been associated with a number of adverse incidents including an embolism which resulted in a fatal outcome. Healthcare professionals are advised to use integrated or add-on filters during the administration of parenteral nutrition for patients in all care settings. All parenteral nutrition solutions should be administered via a filter with a pore size no larger than 1.2μm. Where available, it is good practice to administer aqueous/lipid-free parenteral nutrition solutions with a 0.2μm filter.

Content

Advice for healthcare professionals:

• parenteral nutrition is used to provide nutrients directly into the bloodstream bypassing the patient’s digestive system

• administration of parenteral nutrition without a filter has been associated with adverse incidents, including an embolism which resulted in a fatal outcome

• ensure all parenteral nutrition solutions are administered using a filter with a pore size no larger than 1.2µm

• where the solution is aqueous/lipid free, it is good practice to use a filter with a pore size of 0.2µm during administration

• filters and administration sets should be changed with each new parenteral nutrition container, based on the parenteral nutrition shelf-life, local infection control policies, and filter shelf-life

• use of filters integrated into administration sets are preferred but add-on filters are a suitable alternative providing infection control guidelines are followed

• report suspected adverse reactions associated with parenteral nutrition on a Yellow Card.