Examination of breastfeeding ladies

Many radiopharmaceuticals pass into breast milk. If an examination with radionuclides is necessary during lactation, it is recommended to stop breast-feeding for a short while. How long for depends on the radiopharmaceutical used. If possible the baby should be nursed immediately before the nuclear medicine examination.

The mother must be encouraged to pump the milk during the break, which is beneficial to both her own well-being, because this prevents engorgement, and for continuous milk production. The pumped milk must be thrown away. If a nuclear medicine examination is requested for a breastfeeding mother, the nuclear physician should be contacted in advance.