Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

What if you can’t get an aspirate?

Supernurse in a hospital ward

The nurse says:

flowchart detailing Supernurse's advice in cases where there is difficulty in obtaining aspirate

For further information view a local guideline based on the NPSA model (Confirming the correct position of Nasogastric Tubes in adults [PDF 26KB]).

 

  1. First check that the tube is inserted far enough, advance if required, and attempt aspiration
  2. If still not successful, lie Bill on his left side and attempt aspiration
  3. If still not successful, inject 30mls of air
  4. If still not successful, wait 15 minutes and try again
  5. If still not successful, try aspiration with a 30ml syringe instead of a 50ml one
  6. As Bill can’t swallow, either reassess risk and try an X-ray or consider repassing the tube

Page last reviewed: 02 Jun 2021