Effect of storage of Colostrum in various containers

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