ENFit Transition Guide
ENFit: Changes to Enteral Connectors
ENFit is a global change for all enteral tube feeding products and impacts connector ends on all feedings bags, extensions, feeding tubes, and enteral syringes. Watch the video to the right to see how the ENFit connectors work (click the square in the lower right hand corner to open in a larger screen.)
PHS carries all needed supplies to fully transition to ENFit. We will continue to provide legacy products for patients who prefer them as long as they are available. At this time, some manufacturers are still producing legacy products while others have stopped or are preparing to stop. Please use these resources to find answers to questions.
ENFit Feeding Bag Transition Status
All PHS-provided feeding bags have transitioned to the ENFit connection and no longer come with the white temporary adapter. You may be able to order the temporary adapter, but availability varies by PHS location.
Option 1
Feedings using the ENFit connections.
Before each use:
- Remove the feeding bag from the package.
- Twist the ENFit connection on the feeding bag into the ENFit connection of the feeding tube or extension.
- Begin feeding.
Option 2
Feedings using the ENFit temporary adapter.
Before each use:
- Attach the ENFit temporary adapter to the feeding bag, rotating it one-half turn. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the adapter or make it difficult to remove it from the feeding bag.
- Begin feeding.
- Immediately remove and thoroughly wash the ENFit temporary adapter when feeding is finished. The leftover formula may cause it to disconnect from the feeding tube or extension.
- Completely dry the temporary adapter before re-connecting to the feeding tube or extension.
ENFit Syringes
PHS currently has ENFit syringes in all sizes. PHS also stocks and provides catheter, oral, and luer tip syringes. Non-ENFit syringes will remain available for non-enteral use.
Note:
- ENFit syringes are non-sterile
- Sizes may vary from what you see here
- ENFit syringes may not be covered by all insurance providers
ENFit Feeding Tubes & Extensions
The information below is categorized by type of tube and brand of extension. If you are unsure which tube your child uses, please refer to the product packaging.
Feeding Tubes
PHS carries most sizes of Avanos and AMT low-profile feeding tubes, as well as many brands and sizes of NG feeding tubes. We also carry other types of feeding tubes. Please contact your PHS office to see if PHS carries your child’s feeding tube.
Extensions
Mic-Key
PHS has available both the Legacy (pre-ENFit) and the ENFit extensions.
Note: Low-profile feeding tube kits are available with Legacy or ENFit extensions.
MiniONE
PHS has the Legacy (pre-ENFit) and ENFit available. Other extensions are available for ENFit. Please contact PHS for more information.
Note: Low-profile feeding tube kits are now available with Legacy or ENFit extensions.
Drawing up medicine with ENFit
PHS now has two options for families using ENFit connectors who need to draw up medicine.
***Please note these options are not available at all PHS locations.***
Option 1:
The NeoConnect Fill Cap Coupler. The coupler works with the current oral bottle adapters.
Option 2:
A medicine straw can be used to draw up liquid medicine. Watch the video below to learn how to use a medicine straw (click the square in the bottom right corner of the video to view it on a larger screen.)
Note: The package you receive your medicine straw in may be labeled milk straw. Please note that this is the same item.
How do I go about disconnecting the ENFit temporary adapter piece?
Patient families have two options in this situation:
1. You can transition to the complete ENFit system, eliminating disconnection due to the twist-in mechanism of the ENFit connection.
2. If you are not ready to transition, PHS recommends removing and thoroughly washing and drying the ENFit adapter between feedings. Leftover formula may cause the ENFit temporary adapter to disconnect from the feeding tube or extension.
Do you have any recommendations to eliminate the potential of a choking hazard with the ENFit temporary adapter?
To eliminate the choking hazard, we recommend that families transition to the complete ENFit system, which will eliminate the use of the temporary adapter.
Will the diameter of the new connectors be the same to accommodate patients using home blended diets since these are thicker?
The new ENFit connectors will be the same diameter as the current connectors and will work for thicker formulas and Home-Blend Formulas.
Will Farrell valve bag connections also be changing to fit the new products?
Yes, these are currently available with ENFit connectors.
Will the temporary adapter be automatically packaged with the bags, or will families need to order it separately?
Temporary adapters are no longer included in feeding sets. However, you may be able to order one. Availability varies by PHS location.
Note: Farrell Valve Bags are available in Legacy without a temporary adapter or ENFit without a temporary adapter.
Do you have any recommendations to eliminate the potential of a choking hazard with the temporary adapter?
To eliminate the choking hazard, we recommend that families transition to the complete ENFit system. Transitioning will eliminate the use of the temporary adapter.
How do I prevent disconnections when using a temporary adapter?
Patients and families have two options:
1. You can transition to the complete ENFit system, which will prevent disconnection due to the twist in the mechanism of the ENFit design.
2. If you are not ready to transition, PHS recommends removing and thoroughly washing and drying the temporary adapter between feedings. The leftover formula may cause it to disconnect from the feeding tube or extension.
Is the catheter tip syringe being redesigned to have a different type of tip, or will the extension fitting be the same design/fit as a luer lock syringe?
During the transition to ENFit, PHS will continue to stock and provide catheter, oral, and luer tip syringes as well as ENFit syringes in all sizes (1, 5, 10, 20, 35, 60ml). Once the transition is complete, oral and luer lock syringes will still be available for non-enteral use, and the catheter tip syringe will be discontinued.
Many families use push-in bottle adapters (PIBAs) to draw up liquid medications. Do manufacturers make PIBAs that are compatible with the new ENFit connectors?
While PHS does not dispense oral medications, we have heard this question quite a bit. Manufacturers create PIBAs, and one option is the NeoConnect Fill Cap Coupler. The coupler works with the current oral bottle adapters.
A medicine straw, also called a milk straw, can be used to draw up liquid medicine.
How do I clean my ENFit products?
When the feeding is complete, place the extensions, syringes, and feeding bag tubing directly into hot soapy water. This prevents the buildup of product in the tubes.
If you are not home when feeding or medication administration takes place, PHS recommends you pack a wide-mouth water bottle filled with soapy water. Place used products in the bottle to start the cleaning process.
Are there specific products used to clean tube products, such as extensions and medication straws?
You may use a pipe cleaner or medicine tube cleaning device to clean the inside of the extension and medication straws.
NEVER clean enteral supplies while connected to a patient.
How should I clean the ENFit connection ends?
When not attached to the patient, PHS recommends families soak ENFit connections in hot soapy water to loosen any built up medicine or formula. A toothbrush may then be used to clean the ENFit connection ends.