Most samples tested (> 80%) were considered top quality milk (< 4°D) based on acidity values, and milk energy content was preserved after storage. We conclude that the storage methods required by Brazilian regulations are suitable to ensure milk safety and energy content of stored milk when supplied to neonates.

Objective: To evaluate the causes of disposal of donated human milk and the impact of the measures taken to reduce the amount of milk unsuitable for consumption. Methods:A quasi-experimental, observational, comparative study was conducted with different populations of external donors in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, a simple form was used to record the criteria for disposal of the donated milk. We also interviewed the donors to find the reason of changes in the milk. In 2008, a checklist containing comprehensive guidance for milk collection and pre-storage was handed out to the donors. Next, we continued to survey the disposal criteria after the intervention using the same form administered in 2006. A case was defined as all bottles of milk of the same donor discarded per day. Data were analyzed by calculations based on comparison of proportions for 2006 and 2008.Results: Twenty-four percent of the milk collected was discarded in 2006, while in 2008 only 10.5% of the milk was discarded. There was significant reduction in the disposal of milk for the items: cigarette odor; forgetting the milk outside the refrigerator, inside it or on its door; problems with the freezer; frequent opening of the refrigerator and freezer; expiration date; and unidentified cases. However, there was a significant increase in milk disposal for first milk collection without guidance; use of inappropriate bottle; milk transportation from work to home; and indirect guidance. Conclusions:The use of the step-by-step checklist had a positive impact on the reduction of the volume of donated milk discarded and changed the frequency of the causes of disposal, eliminating some of these causes. Resultados: Vinte e quatro por cento do leite coletado foi descartado em 2006, enquanto que, em 2008, apenas 10,5% do leite foi descartado. Houve redução significativa no descarte de leite para os itens: cheiro de cigarro; esquecimento do leite fora, no corpo ou na porta da geladeira; problemas com o freezer; abrir muito geladeira e freezer; prazo de validade vencida; e casos não identificados. Os itens primeira coleta sem orientação, uso de frasco não conforme, transporte do leite do trabalho para casa e orientação indireta apresentaram aumentos significativos de descarte. J Pediatr (Rio J) Conclusões:A aplicação do checklist passo a passo teve um impacto positivo na redução do volume de leite doado descartado e modificou as frequências das causas desse descarte, eliminando algumas dessas causas. Não foram declarados conflitos de interesse associados à publicação deste artigo. J Pediatr (Rio J)Como citar este artigo: Grazziotin AL, Grazziotin MC, Letti LA. Disposal of human milk donated to a human milk bank before and after measures to reduce the amount of milk unsuitable for consumption. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2010;86(4):290-294.

Objective: To evaluate the causes of disposal of donated human milk and the impact of the measures taken to reduce the amount of milk unsuitable for consumption. Methods:A quasi-experimental, observational, comparative study was conducted with different populations of external donors in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, a simple form was used to record the criteria for disposal of the donated milk. We also interviewed the donors to find the reason of changes in the milk. In 2008, a checklist containing comprehensive guidance for milk collection and pre-storage was handed out to the donors. Next, we continued to survey the disposal criteria after the intervention using the same form administered in 2006. A case was defined as all bottles of milk of the same donor discarded per day. Data were analyzed by calculations based on comparison of proportions for 2006 and 2008.Results: Twenty-four percent of the milk collected was discarded in 2006, while in 2008 only 10.5% of the milk was discarded. There was significant reduction in the disposal of milk for the items: cigarette odor; forgetting the milk outside the refrigerator, inside it or on its door; problems with the freezer; frequent opening of the refrigerator and freezer; expiration date; and unidentified cases. However, there was a significant increase in milk disposal for first milk collection without guidance; use of inappropriate bottle; milk transportation from work to home; and indirect guidance. Conclusions:The use of the step-by-step checklist had a positive impact on the reduction of the volume of donated milk discarded and changed the frequency of the causes of disposal, eliminating some of these causes. No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article.Suggested citation: Grazziotin AL, Grazziotin MC, Letti LA. Disposal of human milk donated to a human milk bank before and after measures to reduce the amount of milk unsuitable for consumption. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2010;86(4):290-294.

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