Excretion of Radionuclides in Breast Milk

 

Factors affecting decision:

(1) type of radiation emitted

(2) total dose administered

(3) half-life

(4) distribution into breast milk

(5) excretion mechanics

Radionuclide	Duration of Radioactivity in Breast Milk
copper-64	3 days
gallium-67	2 weeks
indium-111	20 hours
iodine-123	36 hours
iodine-125	12 days
iodine-131, diagnostic	2-14 days
iodine-131, therapeutic	variable, may be prolonged
sodium	4-5 days
technetium-99m compounds	15 hours to 3 days, depending on dose

 

Steps to be taken by the mother:

(1) Prior to the exposure additional breast milk should be collected and frozen for use during the period when the radionuclide will be excreted. The average volume of breast milk produced per day is 750 m (Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th Edition).

(2) The infant should receive either formula or frozen breast milk during the period that radionuclide is excreted.

(3) The woman should pump the breast during the period that the radionuclide is excreted, Usually this can be disposed of by flushing down into the sewer with water. However, if the level of radioactive material is high then the milk should be disposed of the Radiation Safety Officer.

(4) Prior to resumption of breast feeding the woman should be evaluated by the Radiation Safety Officer. A sample of breast milk may be tested for residual radioactive emissions.