Lois Larson
If you have diabetes and use an insulin pump, you may be wondering how to navigate airport security. While insulin pumps can go through airport metal detectors, they should not be exposed to X-ray screening or full-body scanners. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from metal detectors, but manufacturers advise against X-ray screening due to potential damage. When passing through airport security, notify the agent that you have diabetes, are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying supplies. You may be asked to remove your insulin pump before going through a full-body scanner, but you can request an alternative screening method such as a pat-down instead. It is recommended to carry medical evidence, such as a letter from a doctor, to confirm the use of your insulin pump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should insulin pumps be exposed to x-ray screening? | No. Insulin pumps should not be exposed to x-ray screening. |
| Should insulin pumps be exposed to full-body airport scanners? | No. Insulin pumps should not be exposed to full-body airport scanners. |
| Should insulin pumps be disconnected during screening? | No. Insulin pumps should not be disconnected during screening. However, if an alternative screening method is not available, it is recommended to disconnect at the infusion set site, not at the tubing connection. |
| Should insulin pumps be removed during screening? | No. Insulin pumps should not be removed during screening. |
| Should insulin pumps be screened by airport security scanners? | No. Insulin pumps should not be screened by airport security scanners. |
| Should insulin pumps be screened using imaging technology or metal detectors? | It depends on the manufacturer's recommendation. Some manufacturers recommend that insulin pumps not be screened using imaging technology, while others have no such contraindications. |
| Should insulin pumps be accompanied by insulin? | Yes. Insulin pumps must be accompanied by insulin, and the insulin must be clearly identified. |
| Should insulin pumps be accompanied by a prescription? | Yes. It is recommended to provide proof that insulin has been prescribed by a physician. |
| Should insulin pumps be accompanied by medical evidence? | Yes. It is recommended to bring medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm the use of an insulin pump. |
| Should insulin be stored in checked luggage? | No. Insulin should not be stored in checked luggage as it may be exposed to extreme temperatures that can affect its effectiveness. |
| Should insulin pumps be notified to security screeners? | Yes. It is important to notify security screeners that you have diabetes, that you are wearing an insulin pump, and that you are carrying supplies. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin pumps can go through metal detectors
Insulin pumps can go through airport metal detectors. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors. However, insulin pumps should not be exposed to x-ray screening. This includes airport baggage x-ray machines. If you are carrying an insulin pump, notify the security agent in advance. Request an alternative means of screening, such as a physical inspection or a pat down.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump, it is important to carry the necessary documentation. This includes a medical certificate from your doctor, which states that the pump should not go through a scanner. You should also have proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles. This can include a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication.
It is also recommended to carry a Travel Loaner with you during your travels. This ensures that you have access to a backup insulin pump in case anything happens to your existing pump or if your luggage gets misplaced. Keep the Travel Loaner unopened or obtain an authorized return number from Customer Technical Support. If a security agent opens the Travel Loaner for inspection, immediately reseal the box in its original condition to protect the insulin pump.
Additionally, insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin. Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. If you need assistance during the screening process, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
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Insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines
If you are wearing an insulin pump, you should not go through an airport body scanner as some of these scanners may include X-ray. Insulin pump manufacturers recommend removing the device before diagnostic X-ray imaging. This is because X-rays can damage insulin pumps, which are electronic devices.
If you need to go through an airport body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump first. You can request an alternative screening process, such as a pat-down, instead. If you do go through a metal detector, you can keep your insulin pump on, as these are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. However, you should notify the security agent in advance that you are wearing an insulin pump, as it will be detected during the screening process.
If you are travelling with a Tandem insulin pump, you should not expose it to X-ray screening, including airport baggage X-ray machines. This is because X-ray screening may compromise insulin delivery. Instead, notify the security agent and request an alternative means of screening, such as a physical inspection of your pump.
If you are travelling with insulin, you must notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.
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Insulin pumps should not go through full-body scanners
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors. However, it is not advisable to pass through full-body scanners with insulin pumps or CGMs.
Medtronic, the manufacturer of insulin pumps, has conducted official testing on the effects of full-body scanners on insulin pumps and has found that some scanners may include X-ray. X-ray exposure can potentially damage the device. Therefore, it is recommended that insulin pumps and CGMs be removed before passing through full-body scanners. Instead, passengers can request an alternative screening process, such as a pat-down or hand-check of the devices.
Similarly, Tandem Diabetes Care insulin pumps should not be exposed to X-ray screening or full-body scanners. Passengers using these pumps should notify the security agent and request an alternative screening method, such as a physical inspection or pat-down.
It is important to note that regulations allow passengers with insulin pumps and CGMs to ask for an alternative security screening process. To facilitate this process, passengers can carry an airport emergency card or a Medical Device Awareness Card, which is sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA). This card can help inform security screeners about the passenger's diabetes and the need for an alternative screening process.
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Notify security that you have an insulin pump
It is important to notify security agents at the airport that you are wearing an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors, but they should not be exposed to x-ray screening.
You should inform security agents in advance that you are wearing an insulin pump, as it will be detected during the screening process. You can request an alternative means of screening, such as disconnecting the pump and requesting a physical inspection or a pat-down. It is important to disconnect at the infusion set site, not at the tubing connection, to avoid introducing air into the tubing and potentially compromising insulin delivery.
If you prefer to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and any CGM devices, but do not send them through the X-ray machine. Instead, carry them with you and request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down. Make sure to have proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles by providing a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication.
Additionally, insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and the insulin must be clearly identified. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. If you need assistance during the screening process, you can ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
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Alternative screening methods are available
It is recommended that insulin pumps should not be exposed to x-ray screening or full-body scanners. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors, so you can walk through the metal detector with your insulin pump. However, you should notify the security agent in advance that you are wearing an insulin pump, as it will be detected during the screening process.
To prepare for the screening process, it is recommended to carry your insulin pump and supplies with you in your carry-on luggage, along with any necessary medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner. You should also have proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles by providing a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication. Additionally, you can print an Airport Information Card from the CAA website, which provides information about insulin pumps and CGMs for airport security officers and passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Insulin pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are not recommended to go through airport body scanners. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors, but they should not be exposed to x-ray screening. If you choose to go through an airport body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump.
If you do not want to go through an airport scanner with your insulin pump, you can request an alternative screening process such as a pat-down. You can also notify a TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your insulin pump and supplies with you.
It is recommended to carry a Medical Device Awareness Card, as well as a letter from a medical practitioner to confirm your medical device. You should also have proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles by providing a pharmaceutical label identifying the medication.
