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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Information in this record refers to the intravenous use of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid as a diagnostic agent. A US Nuclear Regulatory Commission subcommittee has recommended that nursing be discontinued for 24 hours after administration of all technetium Tc 99m diagnostic products to simplify guidance recommendations, although this time interval may be longer than necessary.[1] The International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends that breastfeeding need not be interrupted after administration technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid.[2] In order to follow the principle of keeping exposure "as low as reasonably achievable", the International Atomic Energy Administration recommends withholding breastfeeding for 4 hours.[3] The mother can nurse the infant just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical. During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[4,5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or stored refrigerated and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 60 hours, have elapsed. Mothers need not refrain from close contact with their infants after usual clinical doses; but following injection doses greater than 370 MBq (10 mCi), patients should minimize close contact with infants for 6 hours. [6,7]
Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level, she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[8]
For nursing mothers who work with Tc 99m substances in their workplace, there is no need to take any precautions other than those appropriate for general radiation protection.[9]
Drug Levels
Tc 99m is a gamma emitter with a principal photon energy of 140 keV and a physical half-life of 6.04 hours.[1] The effective half-life of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid averages 5.1 hours after intravenous administration.[8]
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Dilsizian V, Metter D, Palestro C, Zanzonico P. Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) Sub-Committee on Nursing Mother Guidelines for the Medical Administration of Radioactive Material. Final report submitted: January 31, 2019. 2019. https://www
.nrc.gov/docs /ML1903/ML19038A498.pdf - 2.
- Mattsson S, Johansson L, Leide Svegborn S, et al. Radiation dose to patients from radiopharmaceuticals: A compendium of current information related to frequently used substances. ICRP Publication 128. Annex D. Recommendations on breast-feeding interruptions. Ann ICRP 2015;44 (2 Suppl):319-21. [PubMed: 26069086]
- 3.
- International Atomic Energy Agency. Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-46, IAEA, Vienna. 2018. https://www
.iaea.org /publications/11102/radiation-protection-and-safety-in-medical-uses-of-ionizing-radiation - 4.
- Mountford PJ, Coakley AJ. A review of the secretion of radioactivity in human breast milk: Data, quantitative analysis and recommendations. Nucl Med Commun 1989;10:15-27. [PubMed: 2645546]
- 5.
- ARSAC notes for guidance: Good clinical practice in nuclear medicine. Notes for guidance on the clinical administration of radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed radioactive sources. 2020. https://www
.gov.uk/government /publications /arsac-notes-for-guidance [PubMed: 10732169] - 6.
- Mountford PJ, O'Doherty MJ. Exposure of critical groups to nuclear medicine patients. Appl Radiat Isot 1999;50:89-111. [PubMed: 10028630]
- 7.
- Pharmalucence Inc. Kit for the preparation of technetium Tc99m sulfur colloid. . 2020.
- 8.
- Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: Mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med 2000;41:863-73. [PubMed: 10809203]
- 9.
- Almén A, Mattsson S. Radiological protection of foetuses and breast-fed children of occupationally exposed women in nuclear medicine - Challenges for hospitals. Phys Med 2017;43:172-7. [PubMed: 28882410]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Radiopharmaceuticals
Technetium Compounds
Diagnostic Agents
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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