How should human breast milk be prepared for patient use?

• A. HBM should be prepared for patient use in a clean environment using aseptic technique by specially trained personnel, with gloves during administration
• B. HBM can be prepared in any environment with no aseptic technique
• C. HBM should be boiled before use
• D. HBM should be prepared by the patient or caregiver at home

Answer: (A)

Handling expressed human breast milk for patient use requires strict infection control. It should be prepared in a clean environment using aseptic technique by personnel who are specially trained for this task, and gloves should be worn during administration to minimize contamination and protect vulnerable patients. Preparing in any environment without aseptic technique increases the risk of microbial contamination and infection, which is especially critical for neonates and hospitalized individuals. Boiling milk is not appropriate because it can destroy beneficial nutrients and immune factors, and while donor milk in some settings may be pasteurized, mother’s own milk for patient use is not typically boiled. Having the patient or caregiver prepare milk at home in an uncontrolled setting also poses contamination risks and is not consistent with clinical safety standards.