Airport Scanners And Medical Implants: What's The Deal?

Metal implants can be life-changing for many, offering a new lease of life by helping to repair painful joints and other issues. However, passing through airport security can be a daunting prospect for those with metal implants, as metal detectors are designed to identify a wide range of metal objects to ensure passenger safety. So, what happens when someone with a medical implant approaches an airport scanner?

Metal implants can set off airport scanners

Metal implants in the body, including joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods, can set off metal detectors during airport security screenings. While the likelihood of this happening depends on the type and amount of metal in the implant, as well as the sensitivity of the detector, it is still a possibility.

For many years, healthcare providers supplied medical ID cards to notify security personnel if a person had a medical implant. 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. This may involve the use of a hand-held wand. 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 interfere with your device. You can also request a pat-down screening instead.

It is important to note that full-body scanners will not damage implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). While these devices may set off the alarm, you should always inform security personnel if you have any internal medical devices. If you have a pacemaker, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector.

Full-body scanners won't damage medical implants

Full-body scanners at airport security checkpoints are safe for people with medical implants. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses advanced imaging technology for full-body scans. These scanners use low-level radiation or radio waves to detect a variety of materials, including metal. While these scanners may detect your implant and set off an alarm, they will not harm your device.

If you have a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or another internal medical device, it is important to inform security personnel before proceeding through the full-body scanner. While the scanner will not damage your device, it may trigger an alarm. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device.

In most cases, you will not need to present documentation for your medical implant. However, if you have additional concerns or would like to discreetly describe your condition, the TSA will accept a medical ID card or other relevant documentation. This documentation can include a letter from your doctor detailing your implant and any necessary medical information, or a photograph of your X-ray showing the implant's location.

It is important to note that some airports may use more advanced metal detectors capable of detecting even trace amounts of metal. Additionally, certain types of dental implants with milled bar attachments may set off metal detectors due to the presence of metal. However, even if your implant does set off the alarm, you are unlikely to be bothered by TSA agents as millions of Americans have dental implants, and it is not typically a reason for additional screening.

Overall, while full-body scanners at airport security may detect your medical implant and set off an alarm, they will not cause any damage to your device. By informing security personnel and carrying relevant documentation, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Inform airport security about your implants

If you have a medical implant, it's important to inform airport security as soon as possible. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you navigate airport security screenings with confidence and ease:

Inform Security Staff Verbally:

Let the security staff know about your implants as early as possible. Verbally inform them that you have a medical implant, and be prepared to describe the type of implant you have, such as a pacemaker or a metal plate. This proactive communication ensures they can initiate the necessary procedures and be more considerate of your situation.

Carry Documentation:

Consider carrying documentation regarding your implant. This could include a letter from your doctor detailing the specifics of your implant, a photograph of your X-ray showing the implant's location, or a medical ID card. While these documents are not required, they can assist security personnel in understanding your condition and streamline the screening process.

Wear Revealing or Loose Clothing:

If you don't have documentation, or as an additional measure, consider wearing loose clothing that easily reveals any scars related to your implant. This helps security personnel quickly identify the location of your implant, making the screening process more efficient and accurate.

Arrive Early:

Give yourself ample time at the airport. Arriving early ensures you have enough time to go through any additional security screening processes without feeling rushed or stressed. It also allows you to enjoy the airport experience and take advantage of duty-free shopping or dining options.

Understand Screening Procedures:

Familiarize yourself with the security procedures in advance. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more prepared and confident when navigating airport checkpoints. Remember that full-body scanners will not damage your implant, and you can always request a pat-down screening if you prefer.

By following these instructions, you can ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience. Remember to be open and proactive in your communication with airport security staff, as their well-established processes are in place to assist individuals with medical implants.

Carry documentation about your implants

While medical ID cards or other documentation are not necessary, you may find it useful to carry some form of documentation regarding your orthopaedic implant to show security when processed at airports or other security checkpoints. This documentation can help security personnel understand and visualise where the metal is in your body, making it easier for them to complete their checks without unnecessary delays or confusion.

Such documentation might include a letter from your doctor, detailing the specifics of your implant and any relevant medical information, or a photograph of your X-ray, which clearly shows the implant's location within your body. Additionally, some individuals opt for a metal implant card, a convenient form of identification that succinctly conveys to those who need to know the details of the implant.

Although there is no formal metal implant card system in the UK, some people choose to have one made to facilitate smoother interactions with security personnel and avoid potential misunderstandings. Carrying this documentation not only ensures a hassle-free experience at checkpoints but also provides peace of mind for individuals with implants.

If you have a pacemaker, ICD, or another internal medical device, always inform security personnel. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device. 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. 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.

It is worth noting that even without documentation, airport security has well-established processes in place for screening individuals with implants. By informing the security staff at the earliest possible convenience about your implants, either verbally or by presenting a medical card, they will be able to initiate the necessary procedures and be more considerate of your situation.

Wear loose clothing to show scars

If you have scars that you'd prefer not to hide, wearing loose clothing can help you show them at airport security. However, be aware that loose clothing might be flagged by the scanner, which could result in you being stopped and searched.

Airport body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans. This is a type of millimetre-wave scanner that can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic items in a matter of seconds. The waves sent out by the scanner pass through clothing and reflect off the skin and other items, creating an image that is then interpreted by the machine.

If you have a medical implant, you don't need to worry about it being damaged by the scanner. However, it may set off the alarm, so it's always a good idea to inform security personnel about any internal medical devices before you are screened. You can also carry a medical card that notes your medical history, which may help to speed up the process.

If you are concerned about showing your scars, you can request a private screening or a pat-down instead of going through the body scanner.

Frequently asked questions