The Basics
What is Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated?
Used to help evaluate lung problems in children and adults.
Brand names for Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated
N/A
How Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Technetium Compounds, Diagnostic Agents
Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated During Pregnancy
Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated while pregnant
Animal reproduction and teratogenicity studies have not been conducted with Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated Injection. It is also not known whether Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. There have been no studies in pregnant women. Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated Injection should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Ideally, examinations using radiopharmaceuticals, especially those elective in nature, of a woman of childbearing capability, should be performed during the first few (approximately 10) days following the onset of menses.
Taking Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated?
Information in this record refers to the use of technetium Tc 99m albumin aggregated (Tc 99m macroaggregated albumin; Tc 99m MAA) as a diagnostic agent. Breastfeeding should be interrupted for 12 to 13 hours after administration of Tc 99m albumin aggregated.[1][2][3][4][5]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][6][7] 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.[5][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 they 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]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of technetium Tc 99m albumin aggregated (Tc 99m macroaggregated albumin; Tc 99m MAA) as a diagnostic agent. Breastfeeding should be interrupted for 12 to 13 hours after administration of Tc 99m albumin aggregated.[1][2][3][4][5]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][6][7] 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.[5][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 they 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]
Possible effects of Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Technetium Tc 99m Albumin Aggregated
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Howe DB, Beardsley M, Bakhsh S. Appendix U. Model procedure for release of patients or human research subjects administered radioactive materials. In, NUREG-1556. Consolidated guidance about materials licenses. Program-specific guidance about medical use licenses. Final report. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. 2008;9, Rev. 2. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/v9/r2/
2. Leide-Svegborn S, Ahlgren L, Johansson L et al. Excretion of radionuclides in human breast milk after nuclear medicine examinations. Biokinetic and dosimetric data and recommendations on breastfeeding interruption. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2016;43:808-21. PMID: 26732471
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. National Radiation Protection Board (UK). Administration of radioactive substances advisory committee. Notes for guidance on the clinical administration of radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed radioactive sources. 2019. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/…/file/…/ARSAC_NfG_2019.pdf
5. Mitchell KB, Fleming MM, Anderson PO et al. ABM Clinical Protocol #30: Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Studies in Lactating Women. Breastfeed Med. 2019;14:290-4. PMID: 31107104
6. 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. PMID: 2645546
7. Early PJ, Sodee DB. Principles and practice of nuclear medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1995:1380-1.
8. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
9. Almen 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. PMID: 28882410
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
