Airport Scanners And Metal Implants: What You Need To Know

Metal implants can be a source of concern for people travelling through airports. The knowledge that they will be passing through metal detectors can add a whole new layer of stress. Orthopaedic implants will almost certainly set off metal detectors at the airport. These detectors are designed to identify a wide range of metal objects to ensure passenger safety. While special identification is not needed for people with implants, it is advisable to inform airport security staff as soon as possible.

Metal implants can set off airport metal detectors

Orthopaedic implants are often made of stainless steel, cobalt chrome, or titanium, and these metals can be detected by the sensitive metal detectors at airport security. The detectors are designed to identify a broad range of metal objects to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. As a result, individuals with metal implants will likely trigger an alert due to the metal content in their bodies.

When passing through airport security, it is advisable to be prepared for the detectors to go off if you have a metal implant. However, there is no need to panic. Even without an implant, airport security scanners are highly sensitive and can detect even small metal objects. If the alarms sound, remain calm and follow the instructions of the security personnel. They may ask you to undergo a full-body scan or a body pat-down to verify the presence of any metal objects.

To facilitate a smoother and less stressful experience, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially if you have a metal implant. This allows ample time for any additional security screening and ensures a more relaxed journey through the airport. It is also beneficial to inform security staff about your implant as soon as possible, either verbally or by presenting a medical card. This proactive communication can help mitigate delays and ensure a more seamless travel experience.

In some cases, individuals may choose to carry documentation regarding their orthopaedic implant. This can include a letter from a doctor detailing the specifics of the implant or an X-ray image showing its location. While this is not mandatory, it can assist security personnel in understanding and visualising the metal in your body, potentially speeding up the security process and reducing confusion.

In summary, metal implants can indeed set off airport metal detectors. However, with proper preparation and communication, individuals with implants can navigate airport security with minimal stress and disruption. Following the recommended tips, such as early arrival, informing security staff, and carrying relevant documentation, can greatly enhance the travel experience for those with metal implants.

Full-body scanners won't damage internal medical devices

Full-body scanners at airport security checkpoints, commonly referred to as full-body scanners and walk-through metal detectors, use advanced imaging technology to detect a variety of materials—both metallic and nonmetallic. While these devices can detect metal implants in the body, including joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods, they will not damage implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

If you have an internal medical device, it is important to always inform security personnel before proceeding through the scanner. While a full-body scanner will not damage your device, it may set off the alarm. In this case, you will likely be asked to undergo a secondary screening. This could involve the use of a hand-held wand, which should not be held over your heart device, as the magnet inside may momentarily interfere with its function. If you prefer, you can request a pat-down screening instead.

It is worth noting that small amounts of titanium typically do not set off metal detectors. However, more extensive medical implants may be visible on full-body scanners, which can detect dense materials. Additionally, some individuals with metal implants have reported setting off metal detectors at certain airports, such as O'Hare, but not at others. Overall, the current airport screening procedures are safe for individuals with pacemakers and ICDs, and there are no special precautions needed when directed to a full-body scanner.

In summary, while full-body scanners at airport security checkpoints can detect metal implants and may set off alarms, they will not damage internal medical devices such as pacemakers and ICDs. It is important to disclose any internal medical devices to security personnel and follow their instructions for secondary screening if needed.

You should inform security personnel about internal medical devices

Metal implants in the body, including joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods, can set off metal detectors during airport security screenings. While special identification is not needed for patients with artificial joints, it is important to inform security personnel about any internal medical devices.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept a medical ID card or other documentation if you wish to discreetly describe your condition. However, this is not necessary, and you will still be required to undergo screening. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can be used to facilitate your screening and reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. It is important to inform the TSA officer about any metal implants or internal medical devices, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, before the screening process.

If you have an internal medical device, it is recommended to avoid walk-through metal detectors as they may interfere with your device. In the event that your implanted device sets off the metal detector alarm, you will likely be asked to undergo a secondary screening. If security personnel need to use a hand-held wand, remind them not to hold it over your internal device, as the magnet may cause temporary interference. You can also request a pat-down screening instead if you prefer.

By informing security personnel about your internal medical device, you can ensure that appropriate accommodations are made during the screening process and avoid any potential issues or delays.

You may be asked to produce a medical letter

Metal implants in the body, including joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods, can set off metal detectors during airport security screenings. While special identification is not needed for patients with artificial joints, some people carry a medical ID card or a doctor's note to notify security personnel of their condition. While these cards can be helpful, they are not necessary. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept a medical ID card or other documentation if you wish to discreetly describe your condition, but you will still have to undergo screening.

If your implanted device sets off the metal detector alarm, you will likely be asked to proceed with a secondary screening. If you have an implanted heart device and security personnel need to use a hand-held wand, remind them not to hold it over your heart device as the magnet inside the wand may momentarily interfere with your device. If you would rather not be screened using the hand-held wand, you can request a pat-down screening instead.

If you are directed to go through a metal detector, let the security personnel agent know that you have an implanted medical device that might set off the alarm. If you are directed to the full-body scanner, there are no special precautions you need to take. A full-body scanner won't damage implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). However, your device may set off the alarm. Always tell security personnel if you have a pacemaker, ICD, or another internal medical device. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device.

In a study of 200 patients with a variety of implants, about half of the implants (47%) were detected, but the majority of patients (72%) were not significantly inconvenienced. When detected, only 9% of patients were asked for documentary evidence of their implant. Of these, one was required to produce a medical letter, two were asked to show their scar, and four had to show both their scar and a letter. Only one of these patients was taken to a separate area for a full-body and luggage search resulting in a major delay in their journey.

Documentary evidence is not required routinely

Although orthopaedic implants will set off metal detectors at the airport, it is not necessary to carry documentary evidence to prove the presence of an implant. While medical ID cards or other forms of documentation can be helpful, they are not required. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept a medical ID card or other documentation if you wish to discreetly describe your condition, but you will still have to undergo screening.

In a study of 200 patients with a variety of implants, only 9% were asked for documentary evidence of their implant. Of the 53 patients who had flown since their surgery, only 5 (9%) were required to provide documentary evidence of their implant, and only 1 (2%) was significantly inconvenienced.

The study found that a large proportion of patients are body-searched by hand or with handheld detectors and need only a simple statement of explanation before being allowed through security. Therefore, patients can be reassured that, although there is a real chance of being detected by airport security, they will not be significantly inconvenienced.

However, it is important to note that some individuals may still choose to carry documentation regarding their orthopaedic implant to show security when travelling. This documentation can include a letter from a doctor detailing the specifics of the implant and any relevant medical information, or a photograph of an X-ray clearly showing the implant's location within the body. Additionally, some people opt for a metal implant card, a convenient form of identification that conveys the details of the implant to security personnel.

Frequently asked questions