In a message dated 5/21/2004 9:38:30 AM Pacific Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: . It seems that an "infection control expert" from another facility has reccomended gown,glove,hat and mask for the handling of all breastmilk . This seems not to apply for mixing formula . The nurses were told that this is to prevent contamination of the expressed milk because it is "sterile". XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX That "expert" knows nothing about breastmilk! As we all know breastmilk is NOT sterile. There is no reason to wear gowns, gloves etc. when preparing it. There is an entire chapter on breastmilk in the "Red Book" - The Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases - latest edition 2003. If he/she is concerned with "universal precautions" - below is what is on my NICU BM refirgerator/freezer. •“Whereas universal precautions DO NOT APPLY to human breast milk, gloves may be worn by health care workers in situations where exposures to breast milk might be frequent, for example in breast milk banking.” –Centers for Disease Control. MMWR 1988; 37:377-82 •“Contact with breast milk does not constitute on occupational exposure risk as defined by OSHA standards.” –Committee on Pediatric AIDS, AAP. Pediatrics 1995; 96:977-79 Nancy Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP Neonatologist, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Children's Hospital Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Services San Diego, CA [log in to unmask] *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html