Update on Gallium-67 Concentration in Human Breast Milk

Abstract

The concentration of gallium-67 in maternal breast milk has been previously reported in four patients and was estimated to have a biological half-life of nine days. We recently had the opportunity to measure gallium in the breast milk of another postpartum patient following gallium scintigraphy and to compare this value with those previously reported. Our sample was found to have 46 nCi of gallium-67/ml/mCi injected; this was consistent with an approximate nine-day biological half-life. At least a two-week hiatus from breast feeding is recommended in order to reduce the infant whole body dose to at least 40 mRads and the skeletal dose to 70 mRads or less.