Hygienic-sanitary quality of donated human milk in terms of the donor profile and pumping site

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with the hygienic-sanitary quality of donated human milk in terms of the donor profile and pumping site. Method: Cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of records of human milk samples donated to a Human Milk Bank in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. Characteristics of human milk donors, pumping site, and hygienic-sanitary quality were analyzed based on the Standards of the Brazilian Human Milk Bank Network. Results: In the hygienic-sanitary assessment, a greater presence of contamination, high acidity, and microbiological alteration were found when human milk was pumped at home and when it was donated mature. The human milk from non-exclusive donors, especially those > 30 years old, presented greater microbiological contamination and higher acidity when compared to that from exclusive donors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hygienic-sanitary quality impairment of donated human milk occurred when the collection was performed at home, especially among non-exclusive donors. Effective guidance and indirect supervision of donors who perform home pumping can contribute to better use of donated human milk.

Palavras-chave

Bancos de Leche Humana, Bancos de Leite Humano, Breast Milk Expression, Control de Calidad, Controle de Qualidade, Extracción de Leche Materna, Extração de Leite, Leche Humana, Leite Humano, Milk Banks, Milk, Human, Quality Control