Owais Crawford
Travelling with diabetes can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. People with diabetes often wonder whether their medical devices will be affected by airport scanners. This includes those who use the FreeStyle Libre 2, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that is worn on the body. While some sources suggest that the Libre 2 sensors can pass through airport detectors without issue, others recommend asking for a manual inspection and a pat-down check instead of an X-ray or full-body scanner, as X-rays can cause the devices to malfunction. It is recommended to inform security personnel about your diabetes and the supplies you are carrying, and to carry a doctor's letter to support your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Libre 2 sensors go through airport detectors? | Yes, but there may be issues with US TSA. |
| Alternative screening method | Pat-down check |
| Medical supplies | Hand-checked |
| Carry insulin, sensors, and other medication | In hand luggage |
| Carry a doctor's letter | Yes, always |
| Declare diabetes and supplies to security personnel | Yes |
| Declare any medical devices attached | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray and full-body scanners may damage Libre 2 sensors
If you use a Libre 2 sensor, there are a few things to keep in mind when going through airport security. Firstly, it is important to advise security personnel that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you onboard. You may also need to explain any medical devices attached to you.
When it comes to scanning procedures, it is generally recommended that insulin pumps and CGMs (including Libre 2 sensors) should not be screened by X-ray or full-body scanners. X-ray waves can cause these devices to malfunction, so it is advised to request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check. For any medical supplies, including spares, ask for them to be hand-checked.
It is also recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific equipment for any travel-related details and precautions. Additionally, keep in mind that the wireless functionality of some insulin pumps and CGMs can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems. Therefore, you may need to remove your CGM during the flight if it cannot function without a wireless signal. Ensure you have the necessary equipment to manage your diabetes, such as an insulin pen, and be prepared to test your glucose levels through finger-prick tests.
While some sources indicate that Libre 2 sensors can be safely worn during an X-ray without impacting readings, other sources suggest removing the sensor before exposing it to an X-ray machine, as the effects of X-rays on the sensor's performance have not been fully evaluated. Exposure to X-rays may damage the sensor and impact its ability to detect trends and track patterns in glucose values.
Similarly, when it comes to full-body scanners at airport security, it is recommended to consider requesting an alternative screening method as these scanners may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
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Alternative screening methods are available
Insulin pumps and CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors), including the FreeStyle Libre 2, should not be screened by X-ray or full-body scanners as the X-ray waves can cause them to malfunction. Instead, passengers with these devices should request a pat-down check and ask for their medical supplies and spares to be hand-checked.
Other alternative screening methods include metal detectors, which use non-ionizing radiation to scan for hidden items, and millimeter wave scanners, which use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats. Millimeter wave scanners emit far less energy than a cell phone and are considered safe. However, they have been criticized for their potential health risks, which are still being studied, and their limitations in screening certain types of clothing, such as loose clothing, turbans, and hijabs.
Chemical-based scanners, bomb-sniffing dogs, and passenger profiling have also been suggested as alternatives to full-body scanners. Additionally, passengers may be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone for separate X-ray screening, and powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening.
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Libre 2 sensors can go through metal detectors
X-ray waves can cause pumps and CGMs to stop working properly. Instead, you should ask for an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check, and for medical supplies, including any spares you are carrying, ask for them to be hand-checked. It is recommended that you carry insulin, sensors, and other medications in your hand luggage.
Most security stations are well educated about the variety of medical devices, including insulin pumps and CGMs. If you calmly and politely point out your Libre, they usually will know how to help you. At security, you should advise the security personnel that you have diabetes and that you are carrying your supplies onboard. You may also need to explain any medical devices attached to you.
According to a user on Reddit, their Libre has never set off a metal detector or affected the device. However, another user on the same thread mentions that they were told by a "trainer" that the Libre is vulnerable to strong magnetic fields and could be damaged by them.
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It is recommended to carry diabetes medication in hand luggage
If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you carry your medication and supplies in your hand luggage. This is because insulin can get too cold and potentially freeze if packed in checked luggage in the aircraft hold, which could render it useless. Additionally, if your checked bags are lost or delayed, you will still have your medication with you.
At security, you should inform the personnel that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies onboard. You may need to explain any medical devices attached to you, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), including the FreeStyle Libre sensor, which should not be screened by X-ray or full-body scanners as this can cause them to malfunction. Instead, request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check, and ask for your medical supplies and spares to be hand-checked. You can also request a hand inspection if you have concerns about X-rays.
It is also important to consider how your travel plans may affect your diabetes management. For example, higher altitudes can lead to incorrect blood glucose readings, and changes in temperature, time zones, and eating habits can impact your insulin requirements. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure your blood sugar is under control and discuss any potential challenges and adjustments to your insulin doses.
Remember to pack all your necessary medications and supplies, including insulin, sensors, needles, syringes, test strips, and healthy snacks. Keep your insulin cool with gel packs, and consider using a Frio bag to store it. Most insulin can be left at room temperature for up to 28 days. Stay hydrated, and set alarms on your phone to remind you to take your medication regularly.
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A doctor's letter is useful for airport security
For people with diabetes, travelling through airports with insulin pumps and CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors), such as the FreeStyle Libre 2, can be challenging. X-ray scanners and full-body scanners can cause these devices to malfunction, so alternative screening methods must be requested. This is where a doctor's letter can be useful for airport security.
A doctor's letter can inform security personnel about a passenger's medical condition, the devices they are carrying, and the need for special screening procedures. It can help streamline the security process, ensuring that passengers with medical devices can pass through without issues. Additionally, a doctor's letter can be beneficial in communicating specific instructions or precautions that security personnel should be aware of.
When travelling with diabetes, it is essential to carry insulin, sensors, and other medications in hand luggage. A doctor's letter can help security personnel understand the necessity of these items, especially when travelling with spares. By presenting a doctor's letter, passengers can ensure that their medical supplies are not confiscated or delayed during security checks.
Furthermore, a doctor's letter can be particularly useful when travelling to foreign countries, where language barriers may exist. A translated doctor's letter can effectively convey the passenger's medical needs, ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience. This can be crucial in situations where immediate access to insulin and medical devices is required.
In conclusion, a doctor's letter is a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes who are travelling through airport security. It facilitates understanding, streamlines the security process, and ensures that passengers can safely carry their insulin pumps, CGMs, and other medical supplies without disruption or damage to their essential equipment. By presenting a doctor's letter, travellers with diabetes can have peace of mind and focus on enjoying their journey.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to put Libre 2 through airport scanners. Instead, ask for a manual inspection and a pat down.
Advise security personnel that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies. You may need to explain any medical devices attached to you. It is recommended to carry a doctor's letter and to check the manufacturer's instructions for your equipment.
Insulin is allowed to be taken in hand luggage. It is recommended to keep insulin that is not in use cool with a Frio bag or similar.
Yes, Libre 2 sensors can be worn through airport security detectors. However, you may be asked to turn off your Libre reader during take-off and landing as the wireless functionality can interfere with aircraft systems.
