What is the hang time for blenderized or reconstituted formulas at home?

• A. 2 hours
• B. 4 hours
• C. 6 hours
• D. 8 hours

Answer: (B)

Hang time is how long a prepared enteral formula can sit at room temperature in a bag or container and still be considered safe to use. Blenderized or reconstituted formulas prepared at home are not sterile, so they’re more prone to bacterial growth. Because of that, a four-hour maximum at room temperature is recommended. If kept refrigerated, you can store it up to about 24 hours, but once you start administering, you should not exceed four hours from the start of the feeding. Discard any formula that has been kept out beyond four hours and prepare only what you’ll use in that window.