Roberta Aguirre
If you're travelling with a Dexcom G6, you may be wondering how to navigate airport security. The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that can help take the stress out of diabetes management while travelling. While going through airport security, you can keep your Dexcom G6 on and opt for walk-through metal detectors, hand-wanding, or a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. It is recommended to avoid body scanners and X-ray machines for your G6 components, and instead, place them in a separate bag or bin for inspection. Additionally, you can download and present a Notice of Medical Device letter, filled out by your physician, to help explain your Dexcom G6 CGM system to airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Dexcom G6 be taken on a commercial airline flight? | Yes |
| Can Dexcom G6 be worn through walk-through metal detectors? | Yes |
| Can Dexcom G6 be worn through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners? | No |
| Can Dexcom G6 components be put through baggage X-ray machines? | No |
| Can Dexcom G6 components be hand-inspected? | Yes |
| Can Dexcom G6 components be taken on the plane? | Yes |
| Can Dexcom G6 be used on the plane? | Yes |
| Is Dexcom G6 an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device)? | Yes |
| Does Dexcom G6 meet FAA RTCA/DO-160 edition G Section 20 Category T and Section 21, Category M? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Wearable sensors and walk-through metal detectors
If you have a Dexcom G6 CGM System, you may be wondering how it will affect your ability to pass through airport security. The good news is that this device can be a great travel companion, helping to manage your diabetes so you can focus on your journey.
The Dexcom G6 is a wearable sensor that can be worn through walk-through metal detectors without damaging any of its components. It is also an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device) that meets FAA RTCA/DO-160 standards, meaning it can be used on aircraft. However, it is important to note that you should not put the device through baggage x-ray machines or body scanners. Instead, place it in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection or request a full-body pat-down.
Walk-through metal detectors are essential security devices that identify metallic objects on individuals passing through. They are widely used in airports, schools, and public events to ensure safety by detecting weapons or prohibited items. These detectors use advanced technology to create an electromagnetic field that detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They have multiple detection zones that help pinpoint the location of metal objects, and some have adjustable sensitivity settings to minimize false alarms.
The integration of temperature sensors into walk-through metal detectors has further enhanced their functionality. These sensors allow for simultaneous monitoring of metallic items and individuals' body temperatures, providing a dual-layered approach to safety and security. This added feature is especially beneficial in health-conscious environments, allowing for efficient health screenings and addressing health-related security concerns.
In the future, advancements in metal detection technology are expected to further improve the capabilities of walk-through metal detectors. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could enable detectors to learn from detection hits, improving their accuracy and efficiency over time. Wearable technology could also revolutionize the field of metal detection, speeding up security checks and making environments safer.
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Hand wanding and pat-downs
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, you can opt for a hand wand search or a full-body pat down at the airport security. This is because Dexcom has not tested every full-body scanner and X-ray machine, and there is a risk of damage to the Dexcom G6 sensor.
If you are uncomfortable with walking through the metal detector, inform the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor and request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Make sure they are aware that the sensor is inserted under your skin and cannot be removed.
You can also hand your pump to the TSA agent and walk through the metal detector. They will test it for bomb detection while you wait. However, some users have reported that TSA agents might ask you to go through the microwave scanner, which is not recommended as it may damage the Dexcom transmitter.
If you have Dexcom G6 components in your travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer for a visual inspection.
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X-ray machines and baggage checks
Different materials absorb X-rays to varying degrees, resulting in distinct colours on the display monitor. Security personnel are trained to interpret these colours, which indicate the nature of the scanned substances. For instance, orange represents organic substances, blue signifies inorganic materials, and green denotes a combination of both. The brightness of the colours also matters, with darker shades indicating higher-density materials.
X-ray machines are used to identify potential threats, such as weapons, explosives, or prohibited items. They can also detect items that may be hidden by passengers. Backscatter X-ray machines, for instance, use very low-energy X-rays to detect threats like weapons or explosives hidden under clothing. Cabinet X-ray systems are used for screening checked luggage and carry-on items, with protective features to prevent radiation escape.
When travelling with a Dexcom G6 CGM System, it is advised not to put its components through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and request a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection. This is because the Dexcom G6 is a Medical-Portable Electronic Device (M-PED) that may be affected by X-ray exposure.
It is important to note that while X-ray machines emit low levels of radiation, safety measures are in place to protect travellers and workers. The risk of health effects from backscatter X-ray systems is considered very low. Additionally, you have the option to request a pat-down search instead of walking through these machines.
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TSA checkpoints and full-body scanners
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses walk-through metal detectors and millimeter-wave advanced imaging technology (AIT) to screen passengers. The AIT body scanners are safe and meet national health and safety standards. They use automated target recognition software to protect passenger privacy.
When going through TSA checkpoints with Dexcom G6 components, you can go through walk-in metal detectors or be hand-wanded without damaging any of the Dexcom G6 components. If you are uncomfortable with walking through the metal detector, inform a TSA officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor and request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Make sure they know that the sensor is inserted under your skin and cannot be removed.
If you have Dexcom G6 components in your travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection.
Full-body pat-downs are conducted by an officer of the same sex as the traveler. The officer will use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body, and they will explain the procedure as they conduct the pat-down. Travelers can request that the pat-down takes place in a private room.
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Medical device letters and smart device guides
If you are planning to travel with your Dexcom G6 CGM System, there are a few things you should know about navigating airport security with your device.
Firstly, the Dexcom G6 CGM System is classified as an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device), which means it meets certain FAA RTCA/DO-160 standards and can be used on aircraft according to the operator's directions. This device is also designed to withstand exposure to common electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
When going through airport security, you can wear your Dexcom G6 CGM sensor through walk-through metal detectors and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners. However, if you prefer not to go through the metal detector, you can request a hand-wanding or a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Inform the security officer that your sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under your skin.
If you have Dexcom G6 components in your travel bag, do not put them through baggage x-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection. You can also download and present a "Notice of Medical Device" letter, filled out by your healthcare provider, to help explain your Dexcom G6 CGM System to airport security.
Additionally, if you are using a smart device, such as a phone or watch, to monitor your glucose levels during the flight, remember to switch your device to airplane mode and then turn on Bluetooth to connect to your transmitter. Refer to your smart device's user guide for specific travel tips related to your device.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by Dexcom to prevent any issues with glucose monitoring and to ensure your safety while travelling. Dexcom has noted that a small number of users may experience issues with delayed or missed alarms/alerts, so staying vigilant is important.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can go through airport security with your Dexcom G6. However, it is recommended to request a hand wand or a full-body pat-down inspection instead of walking through metal detectors.
No, you can keep your Dexcom G6 on during airport security. However, you may want to inform the security officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor and request a visual inspection of your device.
No, Dexcom recommends against putting your Dexcom G6 through an X-ray machine as it may damage the device. Instead, place all components in a separate bag or bin and request a visual inspection by a security officer.
If you're uncomfortable with walking through a metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down inspection with a visual inspection of your Dexcom G6. Inform the security officer that your Dexcom G6 is inserted under your skin and cannot be removed.
Yes, it is recommended to download and fill out a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from the Dexcom website. This letter can be presented to airport security to explain your Dexcom G6 system. Additionally, if you are using a smart device to monitor your glucose levels during the flight, remember to turn on airplane mode and then enable Bluetooth to connect to your transmitter.
