Enteral Feeding Syringes: Identifying value for public and private hospitals

The global enteral feeding devices market was estimated to be worth an astonishing AU$10 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to a staggering AU$19 billion over the coming decade*. The value of the enteral feeding syringe market is estimated to be AU$675 million.

Considering Australia’s population of approximately 26 million and the high level of healthcare utilisation, total syringe usage will likely be around 10 million units annually.

The significant public and private healthcare expenses in this category warrant careful consideration of products that maximise value for money, while ensuring quality, accuracy and ease of use.

ENFit®: The global standard for Enteral Feeding Devices

ISO 80369-3 is the international standard that specifies the design, dimensions, and performance requirements for connectors used in enteral feeding systems. It mandates using ENFit® connectors, which are uniquely shaped and sized to ensure they only connect to enteral devices. This avoids mistaken connections to other medical lines.

The Essential Attributes of Enteral Feeding Syringes

ENFit® syringes are essential for accurately delivering liquid nutrition and medication, especially in paediatric, geriatric, and home care settings. They are also used to flush through and aspirate fluids from the feeding tube.

Here are the most critical attributes that healthcare professionals and caregivers look for:

Accurate Dosing

• Clear, easy-to-read markings in millilitres and fractions of millilitres in low-dose syringes
• High contrast printing that doesn’t rub off easily.

Safety Features

• ENFit® tip to prevent misconnections with IV lines
• Tamper-evident packaging for single-use syringes.

Material Quality

• Made from BPA-free, DEHP-free, and latex-free materials
• Non-toxic and biocompatible for safe use with medications.

Ergonomic Design

• Smooth plunger action for controlled delivery.

Colour Coding

• Oral syringes are orange, while ENFit® syringes are purple to distinguish from other systems
• Helps prevent medication administration errors.

Multiple Sizes Available

• Standard sizes: 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml and 60 ml.
  
  

Enteral Syringe Types

The three most significant enteral feeding syringes are:

Standard ENFit® Syringes

• Use: General enteral feeding and medication administration
• Sizes: Typically range from 1 ml to 60 ml
• Features: An ENFit® connector, a clear barrel, purple plunger and bold, accurate markings to ensure precise administration
• Available in Sterile and Non-Sterile versions.

Oral Syringes

• Use: Administering oral medications or small-volume feeds
• Sizes: 1 ml to 60 ml
• Features: Orange colour coding to differentiate it from other systems. A clear barrel, orange plunger, and bold, accurate markings ensure precise administration
• Available in Sterile and Non-Sterile versions.

Reusable ENFit® Syringes

• Use: 14-day home care or outpatient settings
• Sizes: 1 ml to 60 ml
• Features: Durable materials and ENFit® tip can be cleaned and reused following instructions.

Image: ENFit® syringes in purple and Oral syringes in orange.

Midmed Enteral Feeding Syringes

Midmed has a range of Enteral Feeding Syringes that are popular for their combination of quality, standards compliance, and outstanding value for money.

Each type is designed for specific needs. The single-use ENFit® Syringe is ideal for clinical settings, the Home Use (reusable) ENFit® Syringe is suitable for longer-term home care, and the Oral Syringe is perfect for administering oral medications.

Single Use ENFit® Syringe: 

• ENFit® connector
• Sizes: 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml,10 ml, 20 ml and 60 ml
• Clear barrel with high-contrast, accurate markings
• Purple plunger colour
• Ergonomic design with smooth operation.

Home Use (reusable) ENFit® Syringe: 

• ENFit® connector
• Sizes: 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml,10 ml, 20 ml and 60 ml
• Clear barrel with high-contrast, accurate markings
• Purple plunger colour
• Ergonomic design with smooth operation
• Use for up to 14 days.

Oral Syringe:

• Sizes: 1 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml,10 ml, 20 ml and 60 ml
• Clear barrel with high-contrast, accurate markings
• Orange plunger colour
• Ergonomic design with smooth operation.
  
  

*Source: Global Market Insights

Contact us for more information and advice on enteral feeding syringes that will best fit your requirements.