Effect of storage of colostrum in various containers.

ABSTRACT

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). DESIGN: Prospective immunological study. SETTING: 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. CONCLUSION: If required, colostrum should be stored at 4 degrees C in plastic (polypropylene) containers to maintain its protective quality.