What factor leads to the recommendation to discontinue breastfeeding prior to PET imaging?

The recommendation to discontinue breastfeeding prior to PET imaging primarily stems from concerns regarding close contact and time, particularly in relation to radioactive materials. In PET imaging, radiopharmaceuticals are administered, which emit radiation. While the amount of radiation is typically low and considered safe for the patient undergoing the scan, there are potential risks for nursing infants.

When a lactating mother receives a radiopharmaceutical, there is a possibility, although minimal, that the radioactive material could pass into breast milk. Although the levels of radiation in breast milk generally decrease quickly, the recommendation to pause breastfeeding mitigates any risk associated with exposure for the infant. By allowing time to elapse before resuming breastfeeding, the amount of radioactivity that could be transferred through the milk can significantly diminish.

In this context, the factors of time and exposure become crucial. Discontinuing breastfeeding for a recommended period ensures that any residual radiopharmaceutical content in the mother’s system does not result in significant exposure to the infant, prioritizing the infant's safety.