Effect of storage of colostrum in various containers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of storage on expressed colostrum kept at room and refrigeration temperature in 2 different types of containers (steel and plastic) at different time intervals (0 hours to 7 hours).


METHODS
Prospective immunological study.


METHODS
Maternity ward.


METHODS
Colostrum was collected from 60 healthy lactating mothers and tested for total and differential cell counts and cell viability in plastic (polypropylene) and steel containers at 0 hours and 7 hours after storage at 28 degrees C and 4 degrees C.


RESULTS
Colostrum stored for 7 hours in plastic containers had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher cell count and viability compared to that stored in steel containers both at 4 degrees C and 28 degrees C. The differential cell count did not vary with time, temperature or storage vessel.


CONCLUSIONS
If required, colostrum should be stored at 4 degrees C in plastic (polypropylene) containers to maintain its protective quality.
Manohar
A A
AA
Department of Microbiology, T.N. Medical College, Bombay Central, Mumbai.
Williamson
M
M
Koppikar
G V
GV
D000328:Adult; D003126:Colostrum; D005260:Female; D018857:Food Packaging; D006801:Humans; D008895:Milk, Human; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012034:Refrigeration / Q000379:methods*; D013232:Steel
D011126:Polypropylenes; D013232:Steel