Gallium Ga 68 dotatate is used for localization of somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors. It can found in lactating breasts in higher than usual amounts.[1] Labeling in the U.S. advises nursing mothers to pump and discard breastmilk for 12 hours after a dose, based on isotope's physical half-life alone. However, one group of investigators and the International Atomic Energy Agency recommend pumping and discarding breastmilk for 4 hours after a dose of 100 to 200 MBq, then resuming breastfeeding.[2,3]
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.[4]
Nursing mothers should not work with radioactive substances used in PET scans in their workplace.[5]