Should a lipid emulsion be shaken before administration?

A lipid emulsion should not be shaken before administration because shaking can indeed disrupt the emulsion, potentially leading to the denaturation of the lipid molecules. This can compromise the stability of the emulsion, making it ineffective or even harmful when administered. Instead, lipid emulsions are typically gently inverted or agitated to ensure uniformity without causing damage to the delicate molecular structure.

It's important to maintain the integrity of the emulsion to ensure proper delivery of the nutrients intended in the treatment. While some might think that shaking would help in mixing, the emulsions are designed to be stable under conditions of gentle handling. Thus, the correct approach is to avoid shaking and instead use gentle mixing methods to ensure the emulsion remains stable and functional prior to administration.