The infinity feeding pump is accurate and reliable while operating in any orientation. This allows fewer limitations to a patient’s lifestyle. Sometimes, while using the pump, alarms can interrupt the flow of nutrition and the patient’s activities.
What is the NO FOOD alarm?
The NO FOOD alarm will occur when the pump has detected air in the tubing. Air could enter the tubing either from the bag running empty of formula, or the bag being tipped over while feeding. Even aggressively mixed solutions may have foam bubbles that collect in the air sensor area and could potentially cause a NO FOOD alarm.
How to handle the NO FOOD alarm if it occurs
To clear the alarm, check the feeding bag for food. If the bag is empty, refill the bag and prime the set to remove air from the tubing. If the bag is full but air is present in the tubing, disconnect the set from the patient and prime until the air bubble has cleared. Check the cassette receptacle for cleanliness especially around the air sensor.
How to prevent the NO FOOD alarm from happening
There are a few things that patients and caregivers can do to help prevent the alarm from happening:
- To prevent air in the tubing, allow foamy solutions to sit for 10 – 15 minutes prior to pouring into the bag. This will help reduce the amount of foam.
- If the pump will be used in a backpack, it is recommended to remove all of the air in the bag set and tubing. You can follow these simple steps to manually prime for backpack use.
- Clean the cassette receptacle especially around the air sensor. Refer to how to clean infinity feedings pump at home for instructions on proper cleaning How to Clean Infinity Enteral Feeding Pumps at Home.
Clean the cassette receptacle especially around the air sensor.
Vanessa Sumner MBA, MSN, RN
Clinical Training Specialist
Vanessa Sumner graduated from Ameritech College of Nursing in 2014 and started her career in nursing at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah specializing in Cardiovascular Nursing, Heart Failure and Heart Transplant. She graduated in 2019 with her Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Leadership and in 2023 with her Master of Business Administration. In 2020 she worked for Ameritech College of Nursing as a Clinical Instructor where she grew to love educating future nurses. She joined Moog in 2020 as our Clinical Training Specialist. She continues that love of educating by keeping our internal employees up to date on the clinical aspects of infusion and enteral nutrition.
