At room temperature, fresh human milk for hospitalized infants should be used within what timeframe?

Fresh human milk for hospitalized infants should ideally be used within less than 4 hours when stored at room temperature. This guideline is based on the need to maintain both the nutritional quality and safety of the milk. At room temperature, bacteria can proliferate quickly, and using the milk within this timeframe helps minimize the risk of bacterial growth that can lead to infections or gastrointestinal problems in vulnerable populations such as hospitalized infants.

Keeping this time limit in mind ensures that the milk retains its beneficial properties while also safeguarding the health of the infants who rely on it for nutrition. It's essential to balance both efficacy and safety when handling human milk in clinical settings, particularly for those who are most susceptible to complications.