Methods of preparing and using intravenous nutrient compositions

A dry-packaged article of manufacture for the containment and intravenous administration of a sterile, pyrogen-free, particulate-free nutrient composition to a mammal, which comprises;

• a hermetically sealed, moisture-proof microorganism-impermeable, ionizing ray permeable container adapted to contain the composition in dry form and aqueous mixture;
• a nutrient composition in a solid form having a moisture content which is not more than about 30 percent by weight of the solid form, provided that when the nutrient is an amino acid or carbohydrate, the moisture content does not exceed about 15 percent by weight and when the nutrient is a vitamin the moisture content does not exceed about 10 percent by weight, said form being readily dissolved in water at a temperature of circa 185.degree. F. to form an aqueous solution which will pass through a 5 micron filter by gravity at a rate of at least 1 liter per hour and the filtrate will pass through a 0.22 micron filter by gravity at a rate of at least 1 liter per 2 hours, disposed within said container;
• means for introducing into the container sterile, pyrogen-free water in a proportion sufficient to form an intravenous mixture of the water and said nutrient composition in the container, connected to the container;
• means connected to the container, for administering the intravenous mixture to a mammal;
• filter means associated with the means for administering, adapted to remove particulate matter from the intravenous mixture;
• and
• a bacteria-impermeable covering hermetically enclosing the container and the connected and associated means;
• said enclosed container and means being sterile and the nutrient composition being sterile and pyrogen-free, sterility being achieved by ionizing ray.