Jazmin Li
If you're travelling with a Dexcom G6, you might be wondering how to navigate airport security. The Dexcom G6 is a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, which is classified as a Medical-Portable Electronic Device (M-PED). While the device can be used on aircraft, there are certain precautions to take at security checkpoints. Dexcom recommends removing your pump before going through metal detectors, as it may not be detected and you may be asked to go through a microwave scanner, which could potentially damage your transmitter. Instead, you can request a hand wand search, a full-body pat-down, or a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. It's important not to put your Dexcom G6 components through X-ray machines, and you should inform security officers about your medical device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Going through metal detectors | Allowed |
| Hand wand searched | Allowed |
| Full-body pat-down | Allowed |
| Visual inspection | Allowed |
| Full-body scanners | Not recommended |
| Millimeter wave scanners | Not recommended |
| X-ray machines | Not recommended |
| Presenting a "Notice of Medical Device" letter | Allowed |
| Using a smart device to get glucose information | Airplane mode and Bluetooth required |
| Using a Dexcom receiver | Allowed |
| M-PED | Meets FAA RTCA/DO-160 edition G Section 20 Category T and Section 21, Category M |
| Electrostatic (ESD) | Can be withstood |
| Electromagnetic interference (EMI) | Can be withstood |
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What You'll Learn
Dexcom G6 is a medical device
The Dexcom G6 is a medical device that is designed to help people with diabetes manage their condition. It is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that consists of a wearable sensor, a transmitter, and a receiver. The sensor is inserted under the skin and continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, while the transmitter sends this information to the receiver, which can be a dedicated Dexcom receiver or a compatible smart device. This allows users to track their glucose levels in real-time and make informed decisions about their diabetes management.
As a medical device, the Dexcom G6 is classified as an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device), which means it meets certain safety and performance standards set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the FAA. This classification allows the device to be used on aircraft, following the directions provided by the operator. However, it is important to note that the Dexcom G6 may not have been tested with all types of full-body scanners and X-ray machines used in airport security.
When travelling with the Dexcom G6, it is recommended to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety and functionality of the device. Firstly, users can go through walk-through metal detectors or be hand-wanded without worrying about damaging the Dexcom G6 components. If you are uncomfortable with walking through a metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter by informing the TSA officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor. It is important to note that the sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under the skin.
Additionally, Dexcom provides a "Notice of Medical Device" letter that can be downloaded from their website, filled out by your healthcare provider, and presented to airport security to explain your Dexcom G6 system. This can help ensure a smoother process through security and avoid any potential damage to your device. It is also recommended to place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the security officer for inspection.
By following these guidelines and being aware of the limitations of the Dexcom G6 in terms of full-body scanners and X-ray machines, users can safely travel with their Dexcom G6 and effectively manage their diabetes while on the go.
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Going through airport security with Dexcom G6
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, you can go through walk-in metal detectors or be hand-wanded without worrying about damaging any of the components. If you are uncomfortable about walking through the metal detector, inform a TSA 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.
It is recommended that you do not pass through full-body scanners, also called AIT or millimeter-wave scanners, as they may affect your CGM equipment. Dexcom also recommends not putting 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 also download a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from Dexcom's website, which can be filled out by your healthcare provider and presented to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM System. If you are using a smart device to get your Dexcom G6 glucose information, you will need to put your device in airplane mode and then turn on Bluetooth to connect to your transmitter.
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Alternative security checks
If you are wearing a Dexcom G6 and want to avoid going through a body scanner, you can opt for a metal detector or request a hand-wanding, full-body pat-down, or visual inspection.
If you choose to go through a metal detector, you may need to remove your insulin pump and hand it to the TSA agent for inspection. They will use a paper to touch the pump and then feed the paper into a bomb-detection machine.
If you are concerned about the metal detector or want to keep your Dexcom G6 on your person, you can request a hand-wanding, full-body pat-down, or visual inspection. This may be a safer option, as not all full-body scanners have been tested with Dexcom CGM systems, and they may affect your equipment.
Additionally, you can download a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from the Dexcom website, have it filled out by your healthcare provider, and present it to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM system.
If you want extra assistance, you can use the disability program TSA Cares, which can put a note on your name and provide an expedited escort through security. Alternatively, you can check if your airport participates in the Sunflower Lanyard Program.
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Dexcom G6 components and airport scanners
The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System comprises a transmitter and sensors, with an optional touchscreen receiver available for purchase. The system is designed to be worn on the abdomen and can be connected to a smart device or smartwatch to provide real-time glucose readings.
When passing through airport security with the Dexcom G6, you can walk through metal detectors without causing damage to the device. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of the sensor and transmitter. It is important to inform the TSA officer that the sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under the skin.
While the Dexcom G6 can withstand common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), not all full-body scanners (AIT or millimeter-wave scanners) have been tested with the Dexcom CGM system. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid passing through these scanners as they may affect the CGM equipment.
To facilitate communication with airport staff and security personnel, Dexcom provides a "Notice of Medical Device" letter that can be downloaded, filled out by a healthcare provider, and presented at the airport. This letter can help explain the Dexcom G6 CGM system and any associated procedures or considerations.
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TSA and the Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 is a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system that can be worn on the body. When travelling with the device, it is important to know how to navigate Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) requirements.
Firstly, the Dexcom G6 is considered an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device). This means it can be used on aircraft according to the directions of the aircraft operator. The device can also withstand exposure to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
When passing through airport security, you can go through walk-in metal detectors or be hand-wanded without damaging your Dexcom G6 components. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can request a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. It is important to inform the TSA officer that the sensor is inserted under your skin and cannot be removed.
It is recommended that you do not pass through full-body scanners or millimeter wave scanners as they may affect your Dexcom G6. Additionally, do not put your Dexcom G6 through X-ray machines. Instead, place all components in a separate bag before handing them over to the security officer.
To help explain your Dexcom G6 system to TSA officers, you can download and present a "Notice of Medical Device" letter, filled out by your healthcare provider. This can ensure a smoother process when navigating TSA requirements with your Dexcom G6.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can go through metal detectors or be hand-wanded when passing through airport security with your Dexcom G6.
Dexcom recommends not passing through full-body scanners as they may affect your CGM equipment. Dexcom also recommends not putting your Dexcom G6 through X-ray machines. Instead, opt for a hand wand search, a full-body pat-down, or a visual inspection.
Yes, you can download a "Notice of Medical Device" letter from the Dexcom website, have it filled out by your healthcare provider, and present it to airport security to explain your Dexcom CGM system.
