Organization and operation of a human breast milk bank.
Breast milk has replaced proprietary formulas as an important feeding for the premature and sick neonate. Over 30 milk banks have been established in the United States to provide breast milk to high-risk neonates. Planning a milk bank poses many problems as no uniform standards for quality control exist. A format for developing a breast milk bank and the protocol for donor screening, collection techniques, transport and storage of milk are presented. Rationale supporting each section of the protocol is also included.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000451:nursing; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008895:Milk, Human; D009825:Oklahoma; D009934:Organization and Administration; D011309:Preservation, Biological; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling