The compatibility of a safflower oil-soybean oil lipid emulsion (Liposyn II) with dextrose and amino acid injection (Aminosyn II) with or without electrolytes was studied in total nutrient admixtures (TNAs). The admixtures studied were divided into two groups. In group 1, 15 admixtures representing six different combinations of Liposyn II, Aminosyn II, and dextrose injection were studied. In group 2, nine admixtures representing nine combinations of Liposyn II, Aminosyn II with Electrolytes, and dextrose injection were studied. Both 10% and 20% concentrations of the fat emulsion, amino acid concentrations of 7, 8.5, and 10%, and dextrose injections of 10, 40, 50, and 70% were used. The core admixture components were placed in an ethylene vinyl acetate container in the following sequence: fat, amino acids, dextrose. One of two combinations of electrolytes and trace metals was added to each admixture at the end of mixing. Multivitamins were added to each TNA just before 24-hour storage at room temperature (25 +/- 4 degrees C). Four admixtures were tested after one day at room temperature, six after two days at 5 degrees C plus one day at 30 degrees C, and 14 after nine days at 5 degrees C plus one day at room temperature. Measurements of pH, emulsion particle size, and zeta potential (electrostatic surface charge of lipid particles) were made after visual inspection of each admixture. Concentration of individual amino acids and dextrose were determined by appropriate chromatographic techniques initially and at the end of the storage period. The TNAs retained a uniform, milk-like appearance under all storage conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)