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). 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.