How to Prime an Enteral Feeding Pump

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturers like Moog Medical, properly priming an enteral feeding pump is a critical step that prevents air from entering the patient's system, which can cause discomfort and reduce the accuracy of feeding. This process ensures the entire length of the tubing is filled with formula before connecting it to the patient.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the complete process for priming an enteral feeding pump using both manual and automatic methods. It covers preparing the feeding bag, loading the pump set, and ensuring all air is removed for safe delivery of nutrition.

Key Points

Hygiene is Essential: Always wash hands and maintain a clean workspace before handling feeding supplies to prevent contamination.
Prevent Air-in-Line Alarms: Priming removes air from the tubing, which is critical for preventing pump alarms and maintaining consistent feeding.
Choose Your Method: You can either use the pump's automated feature or perform a manual prime, depending on your device and preference.
Double-Check After Prime: After an auto-prime, always check if formula has reached the tip of the tubing; if not, use the manual 'HOLD TO PRIME' function to top it off.
Reconnect Safely: Only connect the primed tubing to the patient's feeding tube once all air is completely removed from the line.
Know When to Re-prime: Always re-prime the tubing set after refilling an empty bag to clear any new air that may have entered the system.
Refer to the Manual: Your specific pump model will have its own unique instructions; always consult the manufacturer's manual for detailed, model-specific guidance.

Understanding the Importance of Priming

Priming an enteral feeding pump is a foundational step in administering tube feedings safely and effectively. The primary goal is to remove all air from the feeding bag and the tubing set before connecting it to the patient's feeding tube. Failure to do so can result in several issues, including air-in-line alarms that interrupt the feeding process, or worse, delivering air into the patient's stomach, which can cause discomfort, gas, and bloating. Different pumps may have specific priming functions, but the core principle of air removal remains the same across all devices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Priming a Feeding Pump

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before beginning, ensure your workspace is clean and you have all necessary items ready. This includes:

The enteral feeding pump
A new or clean feeding bag with tubing set
The prescribed feeding formula
A clean, stable surface or IV pole
A syringe and flush water (as instructed by your healthcare provider)

2. Prepare the Feeding Bag

Wash your hands. Always start with thoroughly washed hands to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Fill the bag. Open the cap of the feeding bag and pour in the prescribed amount of formula. It is often recommended to pour in slightly more than the required amount to account for the formula used during priming.
Close and hang. Securely close the cap and hang the bag on the IV pole. Ensure it is positioned at least six inches above the pump to aid gravity during priming.

3. Load the Pump Set

Turn on the pump. Power on the feeding pump by pressing the ON/OFF or power button.
Open the door. Open the door or cassette loading area of the pump.
Loop the tubing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to properly loop the silicone tubing around the pump wheel. Ensure it is not stretched too tightly.
Seat the cassette. Place the cassette or feeding set into its designated slot and close the pump door securely. The pump may display a confirmation message like 'SET LOADED'.

4. Prime the Tubing

There are generally two methods for priming:

Automatic Priming

Disconnect the set. First, ensure the end of the tubing is disconnected from the patient and placed into a container or sink to catch any excess formula.
Initiate auto prime. Select the 'PRIME' or 'AUTO PRIME' option from the pump's menu. For some pumps, this may require holding the button for a specific duration.
Wait for completion. The pump will automatically run the formula through the tubing until it reaches the end. Most pumps will display 'AUTO PRIME COMPLETE' when finished.
Top off manually (if needed). If formula does not reach the very end of the line, you can press and hold the 'HOLD TO PRIME' button to fill the last remaining section.
Press 'Done'. Once the tubing is fully primed, press 'DONE' to exit the priming function.

Manual Priming

Manual priming is often preferred for ambulatory use or when speed is critical.

Hang the bag. With the feeding bag filled and hung, remove the protective cover from the end of the feeding tube connector.
Pinch and squeeze. While holding the end of the tubing over a sink, gently pinch the tubing below the pump's cassette to allow formula flow. Simultaneously, gently squeeze the bag to assist the flow of formula.
Fill the tubing. Continue this process until all air bubbles are expelled and formula reaches the very end of the connector.
Stop the flow. Release the pinch and stop squeezing the bag to prevent dripping. The tube is now primed and ready.

How to Re-prime an Enteral Feeding Pump

Repriming is necessary if a feeding bag empties during a continuous feed.

Press HOLD. Select the 'HOLD' button to pause the pump.
Disconnect. Disconnect the tubing from the patient's feeding tube.
Refill the bag. Refill the feeding bag with fresh formula.
Access prime function. Depending on the pump, you may need to navigate to 'Adjust Settings' and then 'Prime Pump'.
Prime the line. Use either the manual or auto-prime method as outlined above to re-prime the tubing.
Reconnect. Once primed, reconnect the tubing to the feeding tube and press 'CONTINUE' or 'RUN' to resume the feeding.

Comparison of Priming Methods


Feature	Automatic Priming (e.g., Kangaroo™ ePump)	Manual Priming (e.g., Infinity® Pump)
Initiation	Press a single 'PRIME' or 'AUTO PRIME' button.	Pinch and squeeze the tubing and bag simultaneously.
Ease of Use	Very easy and hands-free for most of the process.	Requires two hands and more attention to prevent spills.
Speed	Often slower than a skilled manual prime.	Can be the fastest method for experienced users.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for removing most air; sometimes requires a manual top-off.	Allows for complete air removal with careful technique.
Use Case	Ideal for standard use, and for new or less experienced users.	Recommended for ambulatory use or by experienced caregivers.

Conclusion

Mastering how to prime an enteral feeding pump is a fundamental skill for safe and effective nutritional support. By following the correct procedure—whether using the automatic or manual method—you can prevent common issues like air-in-line alarms and ensure a smooth, comfortable feeding experience. Always refer to your specific pump's manual for precise instructions and consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your feeding regimen. With practice, the priming process will become a quick and routine part of your care. For additional support, consider reviewing resources like the Infinity feeding pump website.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't prime the pump correctly, air will remain in the tubing. This can cause the pump to trigger an 'air-in-line' alarm, interrupting the feeding. In some cases, it can lead to air entering the patient's stomach, causing discomfort like gas and bloating.

Neither method is inherently better, but they serve different needs. Auto priming is easier for beginners, while manual priming can be faster and more precise for experienced users, especially in ambulatory settings where removing all air is crucial to prevent alarms.

To manually prime an Infinity pump, first fill the bag and hang it. Next, pinch the tubing below the cassette and gently squeeze the bag simultaneously until formula reaches the end of the tubing.

You must re-prime the pump whenever the feeding bag is refilled after running empty. This ensures that any new air introduced during the refilling process is removed before resuming the feeding.

Most manufacturers, like those for the Joey pump, recommend changing the feeding bag and tubing set every 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination. Always follow your healthcare provider's and the manufacturer's specific instructions.

If the auto-prime feature stops early, most pumps have a 'HOLD TO PRIME' function. Simply press and hold this button until the formula reaches the end of the line, then press 'DONE'.

While some specific procedures or systems (like 'feed and flush' systems) may involve priming with water, it is generally recommended to prime the feeding line with the formula that will be delivered. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your medical team.