Lois Larson
Can you go through airport scanners with a pacemaker?
It is safe to go through airport security scanners with a pacemaker, according to several studies. However, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card and inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker. While the full-body scanner will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings, the metal parts in the device may set off metal detector alarms. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can people with pacemakers go through airport security? | Yes, according to research presented at ESC Congress 2018 and Heart Rhythm 2019. |
| Do airport body scanners affect pacemakers? | No, according to the studies mentioned above. |
| Do airport body scanners detect pacemakers? | Yes, but they will not sound an alarm. |
| Do airport metal detectors affect pacemakers? | No, but they may set off metal detector alarms. |
| Do handheld metal detectors affect pacemakers? | They should not be held directly above a pacemaker. |
| Should you inform airport staff about your pacemaker? | Yes, inform TSA officers and show them your Medical Device ID Card. |
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What You'll Learn
Body scanners do not interfere with pacemakers
If you have a pacemaker, it's understandable to be concerned about how it might be affected by airport security scanners. However, research has shown that body scanners used at airports and other public places for security screening are safe for individuals with pacemakers.
One study, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Scientific Sessions in 2019, analysed over 1,000 scans and found no negative interference with pacemakers or other cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This study is significant because it specifically addressed patient concerns about the potential impact of body scanners on their devices.
Another study, conducted at the German Heart Centre Munich and presented at ESC Congress 2018, included 300 patients with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. These patients underwent millimeter-wave body scans similar to those used at airport security, and no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction was detected.
Based on these studies, individuals with pacemakers can rest assured that passing through airport security body scanners will not affect the functionality of their devices. However, it is still recommended to consult with a physician before flying and to carry a Medical Device ID Card to show to airport staff, as the metal parts of a pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms.
In summary, while airport security body scanners are generally safe for individuals with pacemakers, it is always a good idea to be cautious and prepared when travelling with a medical device.
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Metal detectors may set off alarms
It is still important to inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker.
You can also obtain a Medical Device ID Card, which identifies you as an implanted device patient. This card can be shown at the first security station, after which you should follow the security staff's directions. Depending on the airport, they may send you through a full-body scanner, which will not harm your pacemaker.
Research has shown that body scanners at airport security do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers. More than 1,000 patients were surveyed, and 80% had fears or concerns about passing through body scanners at the airport. However, the study found no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during the scans.
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Carry your Medical Device ID Card
Travelling with a Pacemaker
It is perfectly safe to travel with a pacemaker, but there are a few precautions you should take. Firstly, it is important to consult with your doctor before flying. They will be able to advise you on any risks and benefits associated with your condition and implant. For example, if you have recently had surgery or experienced a heart attack, your doctor may advise you to postpone your travel plans until you are fully recovered.
Airport Security
When going through airport security, it is important to inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector, as the metal parts of your pacemaker may set off the alarm. Instead, you can be screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings.
It is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times when travelling. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and can be shown to airport security staff. Depending on the airport, security staff may ask to see your Medical Device ID Card, or they may opt to do a hand-pat search. In an emergency, your card will also allow medical personnel to quickly identify that you have an implanted device.
In addition to your Medical Device ID Card, Boston Scientific offers a security card specifically for international travel. This card explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in 13 languages. To obtain this card, you can call the number provided by Boston Scientific or search for facilities that treat patients with their devices.
By following these precautions and carrying your Medical Device ID Card, you can ensure that you have a safe and smooth travel experience with your pacemaker.
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Consult your doctor before flying
If you have a pacemaker, it's important to consult your doctor before flying. While having a pacemaker doesn't necessarily mean you can't fly, there are some precautions you should take.
Firstly, discuss your travel plans with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on any potential risks and benefits associated with flying and ensure that your pacemaker is functioning optimally. If you've recently experienced any health issues, such as a heart attack, your doctor may recommend postponing your travel plans until you've fully recovered.
Additionally, your doctor can provide you with a Medical Device ID Card, which identifies you as a patient with an implanted device. This card is crucial when going through airport security, as it informs staff about your condition and can help streamline the security process. It is also recommended to carry your Medical Device Patient Security Card, which explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in multiple languages for international travel.
Your doctor can also advise you on any specific considerations or restrictions related to your pacemaker. For example, travelling to high-altitude locations or extreme climates may pose additional challenges and increase the strain on your heart. It is important to be aware of any potential risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety during your trip.
Furthermore, if you plan on engaging in any strenuous activities during your trip, consulting your doctor beforehand is essential. They can assess your overall health and determine if it's safe for you to participate in activities like hiking or other physically demanding pursuits. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
By following these steps and consulting your doctor before flying, you can help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
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Airport staff may ask for a pat-down search
It is safe to travel with a pacemaker, but there are a few precautions you should take. Firstly, consult with your physician before flying. It is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card at all times, as this identifies you as an implanted device patient and can be shown to airport staff if your pacemaker sets off a security alarm. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanners will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings, according to Boston Scientific. However, the metal parts of your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms. In this case, airport staff may ask for a pat-down search. They may also ask to see your Medical Device ID Card. This card lets medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device in an emergency.
Research presented at the ESC Congress in 2018 supports the safety of body scanners for patients with pacemakers. The study, conducted at the German Heart Centre Munich, included 300 patients with pacemakers who underwent a millimetre-wave body scan mimicking airport security scans. No evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction was found.
Similarly, a 2019 cross-sectional in-vivo study found that body scanners at airport security do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers and defibrillators. The study, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society's 40th Annual Scientific Sessions, analysed more than 1,000 scans and found no negative interference. These findings suggest that patients with pacemakers can travel through security checkpoints without worry or the need to disclose personal medical information.
Therefore, while it is generally safe for individuals with pacemakers to pass through airport security, airport staff may occasionally request a pat-down search or ask to see your Medical Device ID Card. It is recommended to carry this card with you at all times when travelling and to inform TSA officers about your internal medical device.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe for patients with pacemakers to go through airport body scanners. Research has shown that airport body scanners do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers. However, you should not be screened with a walk-through metal detector if you have a pacemaker.
Inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker and show them your Medical Device ID Card. You may be asked to show your card or undergo a hand-pat search.
The full-body scanner will show your pacemaker, but it will not sound an alarm. However, the metal parts of your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms.
