Insulin and Security X-Ray

Injecto · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 07:43 AM

Is it O.K. for insulin and pumps to go through the security X-Ray machines at airports?

Dewey · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Injecto

Is it O.K. for insulin and pumps to go through the security X-Ray machines at airports?

From the manuals I've read, No. I've Never allowed airport security to put any of my medical devices (other than BG meters) through the X-ray for the simple fact that there are parts in the pump (& CGMS) that could potentially get "zapped" by it. From what the manuals say, it's something along the lines of the machines can cause issues of pump malfunctions (anything from errors to motor malfunctions). Hope this helps.

Injecto · #3 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 08:08 AM

But what do I do then? When I go through that security door, should I remove the pump and ask them to allow it through? Same thing with my little medical bag? (meaning, I won't put it on that conveyer belt that goes through the machine).

So:
A - Can I go through the metal detector door?
B - Can I let them use the wand around my pump? Insulin?
C - Can I let my stuff go on the conveyer belt?

belyro · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 08:10 AM

I always put all my stuff through - meter, etc. I haven't travelled with the pump yet, though, so I can't speak to that.

Dewey · #5 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Injecto

But what do I do then? When I go through that security door, should I remove the pump and ask them to allow it through? Same thing with my little medical bag? (meaning, I won't put it on that conveyer belt that goes through the machine).

So:
A - Can I go through the metal detector door?
B - Can I let them use the wand around my pump? Insulin?
C - Can I let my stuff go on the conveyer belt?

I would not remove my pump for any reason. In Orlando (I flew recently), the security guy tried telling me to remove my "cell phones" and I said, "They're NOT cell phones. This one's an insulin pump & this one's a CGMS." He made me remove my kitten from the carrier (& I proceeded to curse aloud). Security truly sucks the life out of flying.

A - Yes. You can go through the metal detector with the pump on. It will likely beep, but all they usually do is stop you so they can check (wand).

B - The wand can be used on/around the pump & will not harm it. In my first post, I slipped up & didn't say that insulin vials can go through the x-ray machine, but they can (as can BG meters).

C - The rest of the items (insulin, meter, etc.) can go through on the conveyor belt (usually, the airport has you put items into containers to send them through x-ray). Even though I don't like the fact that security sets us aside to wand us & check our pumps for "residue" with a swab, they usually will allow us to keep an eye on our other belongings & will try not to take too long (so we're not separated from the rest of our items too long or made to wait too long).

Hope your trip goes well.

notme · #6 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 08:39 AM

I have traveled with my pump many many times and have never had an issue with the metal detector at the airport. Is that what you are asking Injecto? Or, are you thinking of taking off your pump and putting it through xray? If you are just walking through the metal detector, it is just fine. I would not let my pump get xrayed.

pjams · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007, 08:44 AM

Whatever you are reading here may apply only if you are in USA or Canada. I was recently told in an Asian country that they won't have to obey any of the USA terms and then took away small toothpaste tube, 1 oz. of mouthwash, etc. They also took away a perfume bottle that another passenger had bought on the plane. So the rules are not universal.

That's the wise observation for my 100th posting.

JayP

PepsiLvr · #8 (**permalink**) 09-20-2007, 11:21 AM

In my experience with metal detectors, 1/2 of them will beep and the other half have no problem. I think it depends on how much "other" metal you have on you and how sensitive the detector is. Try to limit the metal on your clothing (buttons, snaps, rivets on jeans, metal on shoes, etc). I've surprised many "security" people by going through the metal detectors and not setting them off.

Dewey · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjams

Whatever you are reading here may apply only if you are in USA or Canada.

Yes, but the issue is that if a pump goes through an x-ray machine, it could totally screw up the internals. If it means Injecto has to take the page from the manual (that literally states that pumps cannot go through x-ray machines), then perhaps he should carry that with him as a preventative measure.

Quite frankly, the air travel rules should be universal (in my opinion). This way, passengers would be more aware of what specifically is or isn't allowed...Heck, if that were the case, it may even make security & everything else quicker to get through.

I have to give props/kudos to DIA (Denver International Airport). They seem relatively quick about getting folks through (myself included). Heck, they were/are quicker than Orlando & Orlando has more security lines than Denver does. Of course, Orlando still isn't knowledgeable about what the he** pumps are.