Clogs May Begin Forming Early – Tuesday Tube Facts

A feeding tube clog may begin forming in a feeding tube before it becomes noticeably difficult to flush.[1]

The TubeClear system can remove buildup more effectively than water flushes alone.[2]

References:

Actuated Medical, Inc. (2019, September 20). Syringe Force on Clogged Feeding Tubes [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.tubeclear.com/2019/09/30/syringe-force-on-clogged-feeding-tubes/.
Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report Doc. No. 1100791569-001.

Prevention is the recommended method for dealing with clogged feeding tubes.[2]

References:

Actuated Medical, Inc. (2019, September 20). Syringe Force on Clogged Feeding Tubes [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.tubeclear.com/2019/09/30/syringe-force-on-clogged-feeding-tubes/.
Boullata, J. I., Carrera, A. L., Harvey, L. , Escuro, A. A., Hudson, L. , Mays, A. , McGinnis, C. , Wessel, J. J., Bajpai, S. , Beebe, M. L., Kinn, T. J., Klang, M. G., Lord, L. , Martin, K. , Pompeii‐Wolfe, C. , Sullivan, J. , Wood, A. , Malone, A. , Guenter, P. and , (2017), ASPEN Safe Practices for Enteral Nutrition Therapy. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 41: 15-103 0148607116673053. doi:1177/0148607116673053.

It is recommended to address a clog as soon as possible, as the longer it sits the less likely a clearing attempt will be successful.[2]

References:

Actuated Medical, Inc. (2019, September 20). Syringe Force on Clogged Feeding Tubes [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.tubeclear.com/2019/09/30/syringe-force-on-clogged-feeding-tubes/.
Lord, L.M. Enteral Access Devices: Types, Function, Care, and Challenges. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2018. 33(1): 16-38.

In fully blocked tubes, water may blow backward toward the clinician attempting to flush.[1]

References:

Richards, S., Walsh, K. (2016), Feeding Tube Irrigation: Performing. Nursing Practice and Skill. https://www.ebscohost.com/assets-sample-content/Feeding_Tube_Irrigation_Performing_-_NSP.pdf. Accessed 9/27/19.