Jazmin Li
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is a convenient travel companion, as it can be worn through metal detectors and hand wand searches at airport security. However, Dexcom recommends against putting the device through full-body scanners or X-ray machines, as they may damage the sensor. Instead, users can request a pat-down and visual inspection of the device from security officers. Presenting a Notice of Medical Device letter, available on Dexcom's website and filled out by a physician, can help explain the system to airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Dexcom G6 go through airport security? | Yes |
| What can you do if you are wearing Dexcom G6 and want to go through airport security? | You can go through metal detectors, be hand-wanded, or ask for a full-body pat down and visual inspection. |
| What should you not do? | Do not go through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners or put Dexcom G6 through x-ray machines. |
| What should you do before going through airport security with Dexcom G6? | Download the "Notice of Medical Device" letter, which can be filled out by your physician and presented to airport security. |
| What should you do with your Dexcom G6 components? | Place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the Security Officer. |
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What You'll Learn
Metal detectors are safe
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, you can safely go through metal detectors at airport security. The Dexcom G6 can also be hand wand searched, and you can keep your receiver on during your flight. If you are uncomfortable with walking through a metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter from the Security Officer.
It is recommended that you do not put your Dexcom G6 CGM System components through x-ray machines. Instead, place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the Security Officer. You can download a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from Dexcom's website, which can be filled out by your physician and presented to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM System.
The Dexcom G6 CGM System is a great travel companion, and you can go through airport security measures such as metal detectors, pat-downs, and visual inspections without damaging your CGM supplies. However, as Dexcom has not tested every full-body scanner and x-ray machine, they recommend a hand wand search or a full-body pat-down and visual inspection to be safe.
If you are travelling with a medical device like the Dexcom G6, Transport Canada recommends using the Family-Special Needs security line, and the Airport Operators Association states that you should bring medical evidence. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a disability program called TSA Cares, which can provide an expedited escort through security.
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Hand wanding is safe
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6, you can ask for a hand wand search at airport security. This is a safe option for you, as it will not damage your G6 components.
Hand wanding is a safe method of security screening, and it is recommended by Dexcom as a preferred alternative to full-body scanners and x-ray machines, which may cause damage to your Dexcom G6 sensor. The hand wand can detect any prohibited items without you having to remove your Dexcom G6.
You can also keep your Dexcom receiver on during your flight. If hand wanding is not available, you can request a full-body pat-down and visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. This is another safe option that does not require you to remove your Dexcom G6.
You should not put your Dexcom G6 through x-ray machines, as this may cause damage to the device. Instead, place all components in a separate bag and hand them to the security officer. If you are travelling with other medical supplies, such as medications, meters, and strips, check the manufacturer's instructions or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for guidance.
It is also recommended to download and fill out a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from your physician to present to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM System. This can help to facilitate a smoother screening process and ensure that your device is not damaged during security checks.
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Pat-downs are safe
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6, you can opt for a full-body pat down and visual inspection instead of going through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners or millimeter wave scanners. Dexcom recommends this approach as they have not tested every full-body scanner and X-ray machine, and therefore cannot guarantee that these will not damage your Dexcom G6 sensor.
To prepare for a pat-down inspection, place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the Security Officer. You can also download and present a "Notice of Medical Device" letter, filled out by your physician, to better explain your Dexcom CGM system to the security officer.
If you are concerned about the pat-down process, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends informing the Security Officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor and requesting a private room for the inspection.
It is important to note that you should not put your Dexcom G6 CGM System components through X-ray machines. Additionally, if you are travelling with other medical supplies, such as medications, meters, and strips, be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions or the TSA website for specific guidelines.
In summary, opting for a pat-down and visual inspection when travelling with your Dexcom G6 is a safe and recommended option. This method ensures that your device remains undamaged and functions properly throughout your journey.
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Visual inspections are safe
When going through airport security with your Dexcom G6, visual inspections are safe. If you are wearing your Dexcom G6, you can request a hand-wanding, a full-body pat-down, or a visual inspection. These methods can be used without worrying about damaging your G6 components.
It is recommended that you do not put your Dexcom G6 through X-ray machines, as the potential damage they may cause is unknown. Instead, place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the Security Officer.
If you are concerned about the security process, you can download a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from the Dexcom website. This can be filled out by your physician and presented to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM System.
Additionally, when going through security, you can inform the Security 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. Let the officer know that the sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under the skin.
You can also use a disability program called TSA Cares, which can provide an expedited escort through security and add a note to your name regarding your medical device.
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X-ray machines are not recommended
While the Dexcom G6 can be worn through metal detectors, hand wand searches, pat-downs, and visual inspections without damaging the device, X-ray machines are not recommended. This is because Dexcom has not tested every full-body scanner and X-ray machine, and therefore cannot guarantee the potential damage they may cause to the Dexcom G6 sensor.
When going through airport security, it is recommended that you request a hand wand search, a full-body pat-down, or a visual inspection instead of an X-ray. All components of the Dexcom G6 CGM System should be placed in a separate bag before being handed over to the Security Officer. Additionally, you can download and present a "Notice of Medical Device" letter, filled out by your physician, to better explain your Dexcom CGM System to airport security.
If you are travelling with a medical device such as the Dexcom G6, the Airport Operators Association recommends bringing medical evidence, such as a doctor's letter. Transport Canada also recommends using the Family-Special Needs security line, where Screening Officers are better equipped to handle medical devices.
It is important to note that some people have reported issues with TSA agents, who may encourage travellers to go through body scanners or X-ray machines, claiming that it is safe to do so. However, it is advisable to refuse and insist on an alternative inspection method, as recommended by Dexcom and other users of the device.
To summarise, when travelling with a Dexcom G6, it is best to avoid X-ray machines and utilise alternative security measures, such as hand wand searches, pat-downs, or visual inspections, to ensure the safety and functionality of your device.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Dexcom G6 can go through metal detectors without damaging your CGM supplies.
No, Dexcom recommends a hand wand search, a full-body pat-down, or a visual inspection instead of putting the Dexcom G6 through an X-ray machine.
Yes, you should inform the security 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.
