Which is the hang time for expressed human milk when used for continuous enteral feedings?

Which is the hang time for expressed human milk when used for continuous enteral feedings?

• A. 2 hours
• B. 4 hours
• C. 8 hours
• D. 12 hours

Answer: (B)

Hang time for expressed human milk used in continuous enteral feedings is the maximum time the milk can stay in the feeding reservoir and tubing before it must be discarded. In a continuous infusion, the milk sits in the system for extended periods, and bacteria can multiply in the warm, nutrient-rich environment. To minimize this risk, expressed human milk in a continuous feed should not remain in the reservoir for more than about four hours. If the milk has been refrigerated before use, it should still be used within that four-hour window once in the system, and any portion left after four hours should be discarded. Shorter times (like two hours) aren’t necessary beyond four hours, and longer times (eight or twelve hours) raise the risk of contamination. Hence, four hours is the appropriate hang time.

Hang time for expressed human milk used in continuous enteral feedings is the maximum time the milk can stay in the feeding reservoir and tubing before it must be discarded. In a continuous infusion, the milk sits in the system for extended periods, and bacteria can multiply in the warm, nutrient-rich environment. To minimize this risk, expressed human milk in a continuous feed should not remain in the reservoir for more than about four hours. If the milk has been refrigerated before use, it should still be used within that four-hour window once in the system, and any portion left after four hours should be discarded. Shorter times (like two hours) aren’t necessary beyond four hours, and longer times (eight or twelve hours) raise the risk of contamination. Hence, four hours is the appropriate hang time.