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Effect of storage of colostrum in various containers
A A Manohar1, M Williamson, G V Koppikar
1Department of Microbiology, T.N. Medical College, Bombay Central, Mumbai.
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.
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