Breastfeeding Patients Having Nuclear Medicine Lung Perfusion Scan
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Why have I been asked to stop breastfeeding?Ìý
The clinical team looking after you have decided you need a Nuclear Medicine Lung Perfusion Scan. The scan involves giving you a radioactive injection which enters your bloodstream and allows us to look at your lungs. This means that some of the radioactive particles in the injection can pass into your breastmilk. So, if you were to continue to breastfeed your baby after the scan, your baby would receive an undesirable dose of radiation.ÌýÌý
How long do I need to stop breastfeeding?Ìý
You will be asked to stop breastfeeding for 13 hours. You may wish to express and store some milk before the scan.ÌýÌý
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Expressing during the interruption periodÌý
Wherever possible, at least one feed should be expressed and appropriately stored in advance of the administration of isotope.ÌýÌý
The baby should be breastfed just before the administration.Ìý
3 to 4 hours after the administration of isotope, you should express as much milk as possible- this milk should be discarded and alternatives used instead. Please contact your midwife or GP for breast pump advice.Ìý
Breastfeeding should not be resume until after 13 hours post administration of isotope, milk should be regularly expressed as completely as possible and discarded.ÌýÌý
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Feeding your baby during the interruption periodÌýÌý
During the time when you are unable to breastfeed due to your breast milk being radioactive from the injection, you can continue to give your baby breastmilk that you may have expressed previously and stored, or you can choose to use formula.Ìý
The time holding the baby when feeding should be limited to as small as time frame as possible and not cuddling during the 13 hours post procedure. It may be advisable that someone else could help feed during this time if possible.Ìý
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
