Analysis for Candida albicans in samples of intravenous lipids administered to premature infants with the goal of optimizing the use of the 1.2 µm filter.

Introduction: parenteral nutrition is a mixture of macro and micronutrients necessary for the premature infant who cannot be fed enterally. The binary mixture contains carbohydrates, amino acids and micronutrients in one bag and intravenous lipids in another. The latter are more susceptible to microbial contamination, especially by Candida albicans. For this reason, many professional associations typically recommend the use of a single filter in line "Y"; however, this has not yet become standard hospital practice. Aim: to determine the presence of Candida albicans in devices that contain intravenous lipids used in neonates and relate it to the correct use of the 1.2 µm filter. Method: three groups of samples consisting of the remains of a lipid solution (ML) administered to the premature patient for 24 h seeded on Sabouraud agar organized as follows: (ML1), lipid solution obtained directly from the ethinyl vinyl acetate bag were evaluated. (ML2): filtered lipid solution with a 1.2 µm device connected directly to the catheter. (ML3): solution of lipids intentionally contaminated with Candida and subsequently filtered. Results: Candida albicans was not detected in any of the filtered simples (ML2 and ML3) and also not detected in any of the unfiltered simples (ML1). Conclusions: there was no presence of Candida albicans in the lipid solutions used directly with a 1.2 µm filter, however, the use of a single 1.2 µm filter in line "Y" is recommended according to international standards to save the health system.