Sachin Walls
If you're travelling with diabetes, you may be wondering what to do with your glucose meter when going through airport security. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened, there are different guidelines for different airports and equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can glucose meters go through X-ray machines at the airport? | Glucose meters can go through X-ray machines at the airport. However, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not be screened by X-ray machines. |
| Alternative screening methods | Passengers with insulin pumps or CGMs must be offered an alternative screening method if they opt out of X-ray screening. Alternative screening processes include hand searches, supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment). |
| Preparing for security screening | It is recommended to carry all diabetes supplies in hand luggage and declare them before screening begins. It is also helpful to bring prescription labels and medical evidence of the need for insulin pumps or CGMs. |
| Liquids and gels | Diabetes-related liquids and gels, such as insulin, are allowed through security checkpoints after being screened by X-ray or hand inspection. However, they must be removed from carry-on luggage and declared to TSA. |
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What You'll Learn
Glucose meters can be taken through airport metal detectors
If you are a diabetic traveller, you may be concerned about how to get your diabetes supplies and devices through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection.
You may go through an airport metal detector with your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as these devices are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. However, Medtronic has not determined advanced imaging technology to be safe for insulin pumps or CGM devices. If you are wearing an insulin pump or CGM, explain this to the security officer and request an alternative pat-down screening process.
If you prefer to go through an airport body scanner, be sure to remove your insulin pump and CGM first. Do not send these devices through the X-ray machine as an alternative. Instead, carry them with you to be manually checked. You may also want to pack all your supplies together in your carry-on bag so that you have everything on hand.
Before your screening begins, inform the officer conducting the screening about any supplies you are carrying. It is also recommended to bring your prescription or other medical evidence with you to expedite the security screening process.
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Insulin pumps and CGMs should not be screened by X-ray
If you are a diabetes patient who uses insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, you should not be screened by an X-ray machine at the airport. X-ray waves can cause pumps and CGMs to malfunction, so it is important to ask for an alternative screening method such as a pat-down check or hand search, supported by explosive trace detection equipment.
Passengers with insulin pumps or CGMs must not be asked to remove their medical devices for screening. However, if you are carrying a spare device, you should remove it from your cabin bag before the X-ray and inform the security officer. It is recommended that you bring medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm your use of an insulin pump or CGM. You should also make the airport security officer aware of the device and its location.
Additionally, you should check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific equipment for any travel-related precautions and procedures. For example, while the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ are safe to pass through full-body scanners, the G6 and Dexcom ONE are not. It is also important to note that insulin should never be placed in checked baggage, as severe changes in pressure and temperature can affect it.
To summarise, insulin pumps and CGMs should not be screened by X-ray machines at airports. Instead, alternative screening methods should be offered to passengers with these devices, and they should not be required to remove their medical devices. By following these precautions and staying informed about the specific requirements of your equipment, you can ensure a smoother travel experience.
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Insulin vials and cartridges can go through X-ray
When travelling with diabetes, it's important to know how to properly get your diabetes supplies and devices through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, to pass through the checkpoint after proper screening by X-ray or hand inspection.
Insulin vials and cartridges can go through the X-ray with the rest of your hand luggage. However, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not be screened by X-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt. If you choose to go through an airport body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and CGM. To avoid removing your devices, you may request an alternative screening process, such as a pat-down.
It is recommended to carry all your supplies together in your carry-on bag. Before screening begins, inform the officer of any supplies you have with you or in your carry-on luggage. While not required by the TSA, bringing prescription labels for medication and medical devices can expedite the security process. You may also consider printing and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card.
Additionally, insulin should never be placed in checked baggage as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature.
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Glucose meters must have the manufacturer's name embossed
Diabetic passengers are allowed to bring their diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, gels, and glucose meters, through airport security. These items must be properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection.
To ensure the smooth passage of your glucose meter through airport security, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, make sure your glucose meter has the manufacturer's name embossed on it. This is a specific requirement mentioned by the TSA. Additionally, keep your glucose meter with its original pharmaceutical label, as this provides clear identification of the device.
It is also recommended to keep all your supplies together in your carry-on bag. Before the screening begins, inform the security officer about any diabetic supplies you are carrying. If you are travelling with lancets, ensure they are capped and stored with your glucose meter. You can also carry an unlimited number of used syringes, as long as they are transported in a Sharps disposal container or a similar hard-surface container.
While the TSA does not require you to have your prescription with you, having it can expedite the security screening process if you are subjected to additional checks. You may also consider printing out and carrying a TSA Disability Notification Card.
It is important to note that while you can go through a metal detector with your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Medtronic advises against going through an airport body scanner with these devices. If you prefer to go through the body scanner, remove your insulin pump and CGM, but do not send them through the X-ray machine. Instead, request an alternative pat-down screening process.
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Glucose meters can be hand-inspected if requested
For people with diabetes, travelling can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications are allowed by the TSA through the checkpoint after being screened by X-ray or hand inspection.
While insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airports, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are a different story. Most manufacturers of insulin pumps and CGMs advise against putting their devices through X-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt. This is because the advanced imaging technology used in these scanners has not been deemed safe for insulin pumps or CGM devices.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump or CGM, you can request a hand inspection or alternative screening method. It is recommended to inform the security officer about your device and request an alternative screening method such as a pat-down or manual check. You may also be asked to provide medical evidence or a letter from a medical practitioner confirming your need for the device.
To make the process smoother, it is advisable to pack all your diabetes supplies together in your carry-on bag. Additionally, bringing prescription labels or a TSA Disability Notification Card can expedite the security screening process. Keeping diabetes supplies in a separate, clear, sealable bag can also facilitate easier screening.
Remember, insulin should never be placed in checked baggage due to potential extreme temperature changes, which can affect its effectiveness. Always keep your insulin with you during travel and consider bringing a quick-acting source of glucose and easy-to-carry snacks in case of low blood sugar.
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Frequently asked questions
Glucose meters can go through X-ray machines at the airport, but insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not. If you are carrying a CGM or insulin pump, inform the security officer and request an alternative screening method.
You should inform the security officer that you are wearing an insulin pump or CGM and request an alternative screening method such as a hand inspection.
Yes, it is recommended that you declare any diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications before screening begins.
You can bring diabetes-related supplies such as insulin, syringes, lancets, and glucose tablets through airport security. However, it is recommended to check with the airport and TSA guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
