Owais Crawford
If you're travelling with medication, you might be wondering if it's safe for it to go through an X-ray machine at the airport. Most medications are not affected by the low doses of radiation emitted by airport screening machines, and if there is a risk, it will be indicated on the label or package insert. Insulin, for example, can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals under normal conditions, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to carry all forms of medication on board. However, if you have concerns about X-rays, you can always request a hand inspection of your medication, and it's a good idea to carry an Airport Information Card when travelling with an insulin pump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals? | Yes, under normal conditions, insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. |
| What if I have concerns about X-rays? | You can request a hand inspection. |
| Can insulin be placed in checked baggage? | No, insulin should never be placed in checked baggage as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. |
| What about insulin pumps and CGMs? | You can continue to wear your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) while going through common security systems such as airport metal detectors as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. However, Medtronic has found that some full-body scanners may include X-ray, so you must remove your insulin pump and CGM. To avoid removing your devices, you may request an alternative screening process. |
| Do I need to declare insulin at airport security? | Yes, passengers should declare diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications before screening begins. |
| Do I need to provide a prescription for insulin? | The TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles. However, states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication, and it is helpful to have a prescription label to speed up the security process. |
| Can I carry other diabetes-related supplies and medications? | Yes, the TSA specifically states that passengers are permitted to board airplanes with syringes, insulin pumps, liquids such as water, juice, or liquid nutrition, and all diabetes-related medication, equipment, and supplies. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin pumps and CGMs should be removed before walking through body scanners
While most medications are not affected by the low doses of radiation emitted by airport screening machines, it is recommended that insulin pumps and CGMs should be removed before walking through body scanners. This is because insulin pump and CGM manufacturers advise that these medical devices should not be exposed to x-ray screening and full-body airport scanners due to potential damage.
People with diabetes who use insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have reported negative experiences at airport security. In some cases, they have been denied access to aircraft due to their insulin pumps. To avoid such situations, it is recommended that passengers with diabetes carry a Medical Device Awareness Card, which provides information about insulin pumps and CGMs for both security officers and passengers. This card can help ease the stress and embarrassment that some people with diabetes may experience when travelling.
When travelling with diabetes, it is important to remember that insulin and insulin pumps must be carried in your carry-on luggage. Insulin should be stored in a medically approved cool bag, as it can freeze in the hold, and pumps can be damaged by luggage scanners. It is also recommended to contact the airport before your journey to inquire about their scanners and alternative screening methods.
While insulin pumps and CGMs should not be exposed to x-ray or full-body scanners, they can be worn through common security systems such as airport metal detectors, as they will not harm the devices or trigger an alarm. Additionally, insulin pens and vials can go through airport security scanners and detectors, but you may be asked to provide documentation for your insulin pen. If you are concerned about exposing your insulin pump or CGM to airport security scanners, you can request an alternative screening method such as a pat-down or a manual inspection of your carry-on bag.
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Insulin can be x-rayed, but not placed in checked baggage
Insulin and other medications can be X-rayed and screened at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires passengers to go through body scanners at the airport. However, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not be sent through the X-ray machine. Instead, you can continue to wear your insulin pump or CGM through common security systems, such as airport metal detectors, as they will not harm the devices or trigger alarms. If you wish to avoid X-ray screening, you can request an alternative screening process.
It is important to note that insulin should never be placed in checked baggage or luggage. This is because insulin may be exposed to extreme temperatures, including freezing conditions, which can affect its effectiveness. To board a flight with syringes and other insulin delivery devices, you must carry an insulin vial with a pharmaceutical label that clearly identifies the medication. Additionally, you can notify security screeners that you have diabetes, are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying necessary supplies.
Most medications are not affected by the low doses of radiation emitted by airport screening machines. If a drug's safety or effectiveness could be impacted by X-ray screening, this danger would be indicated on the label or package insert. The FDA, responsible for overseeing labeling, is not aware of any drugs that require special instructions to avoid airport X-ray machines. Nevertheless, if you have concerns, you can contact the manufacturer of your medication or request a manual inspection of your carry-on bag.
When travelling with insulin and diabetes-related devices, planning and proper packing are essential. While insulin can be X-rayed, it is crucial to keep it with you in your carry-on baggage and not place it in checked luggage due to potential temperature extremes. By following the necessary precautions and understanding the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth travel experience while managing your diabetes effectively.
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Medication labels may indicate if x-rays are a concern
If you are concerned about the safety of your medication when going through airport security, you should first check the label or package insert. If there are any dangers associated with airport x-ray screening, this will be indicated on the label. The FDA, which is responsible for overseeing the labelling of medication, states that it knows of no drugs that have special instructions to avoid airport x-ray machines.
Most medications are not affected by the low doses of radiation emitted by airport screening machines, even if they are exposed several times. However, if you are still concerned, you can call the manufacturer of your medication for advice. Alternatively, you can request a manual inspection of your medication by a TSA officer. They will visually inspect your medication, provided that it is easily separable from your other carry-on baggage.
It is worth noting that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and be aware of any relevant regulations or procedures to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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X-ray machines emit low doses of radiation
X-ray machines emit varying doses of radiation, depending on their use. Medical x-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. The x-rays that are not absorbed by the body are used to create an image. The amount absorbed by the patient contributes to their radiation dose. This is referred to as an "effective dose" and is measured in millisieverts (mSv).
The effective dose varies depending on a person's height and weight, how the procedure is performed, and the body area exposed to radiation. On average, each Australian receives an effective dose of about 1.7 mSv per year from medical procedures, including about 1.1 mSv from CT scans. This is comparable to the dose received from background radiation in the environment.
X-rays used for treating cancer are much higher than those used for diagnostic imaging. The radiation dose is also adjusted for children, who are more sensitive to ionizing radiation and have a higher relative risk of developing cancer from it.
Airport screening machines also emit low doses of radiation. Most medications are not affected by these low doses, and if they were, it would be indicated on the label or package insert.
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Alternative screening methods are available
The TSA also employs other methods of screening, including walk-through metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, full-body scanners, partial or full pat-downs, explosives trace detection, and physical searches. These methods are used in conjunction with X-ray systems to ensure safe travel.
Additionally, some airports use advanced technology such as computed tomography (CT) systems and explosives detection systems (EDS) for checked baggage screening. These methods allow for a thorough examination of luggage and can detect potential threats.
It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. The final decision regarding the passage of items rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tresiba and other diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medications can be X-rayed or inspected by hand. If you are concerned about the effects of X-rays, you can request a hand inspection.
You can continue to wear your insulin pump or CGM through common security systems such as metal detectors, as they will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. However, you should not send these devices through the X-ray machine. If you choose to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and CGM.
Yes, it is recommended that you declare these items and separate them from your other belongings before screening begins.
The risk of health effects from X-ray systems and millimeter wave machines used in airport security is considered very low. Safety measures are in place to ensure that travelers and workers are not exposed to high levels of radiation.
If a drug's safety or effectiveness could be affected by airport X-ray screening, this information should be indicated on the label or package insert. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to address any specific concerns. Alternatively, you have the right to request a visual inspection of your medication.
