Surviving Security and TSA With Your Medical Device
Oh airport security, why are you so stressful? Between the lines, the ID checks, and the actual process of the security check it is remarkably stress inducing. No group of people understand this more than those who go through these check points with implantable devices. Often we are met with disdain, annoyance, and a general lack of education around our devices and how to proceed through the security check.
What kind of radiation can your device undergo?
I think the first question we should ask ourselves before our trip is: what is my device allowed to go through? This is often the easiest part of the process. Many devices will have this information printed on the back, or somewhere on the device. Additionally, your device manual or the device company will be able to advice you. You will need to specifically as about the following: body scanner, metal detector, x-ray. This is an essential part of preparing for your travel, because often TSA/security will not know. What is printed on your device, in the device manual, and or advised by your medical device company is CORRECT.
You might be wondering why I am perseverating on this point. Yeah, duh Kate of course they are correct. I want you to remember this when TSA/security tells you something different. I want you to remember that the information you have is the correct information. You are the expert in your disease and your device.
How you approach security depends greatly on what kind scanner your pump can pass through, and whether you are able to disconnect your pump from your body for a period of time. Your medical provider can advise you on the length of time you are able to be disconnected from your medication. Once you know these things you are ready to go!
Know your options
If you can disconnect your pump and it can pass through X-ray, then this process is easy. Just slip it into your carry on and allow it to got through the X-ray.
If you can disconnect your pump and it cannot pass through x-ray or body scanner, then follow the directions below:
- Quick disconnect from your device, and cover the end of your disconnect. Many infusion sets will have a cover. Or you can cover it with a IV prep/ETOH swab package.
- Go to the nearest TSA agent and show them your device. State the following “I need a hand check.” From here you need to advocate for yourself! Inform them that your device cannot go through the body scanner or X-ray.
- From this point multiple things may happen. It is possible that you may meet some resistance. You might hear “People with your pump go through the body scanner all the time.” You might hear “Your device will be fine.” Remember you are the expert. Your device, you know best. Explain, and feel free to say no. This is the most likely point at which you may need to ask to see a supervisor. If you feel bullied, etc I advise you to do this. I have had many negative interactions in the past and I promise you that if you submit a complaint AFTER a negative event NOTHING WILL HAPPEN.
- If everything works out you will hand your device to them, and then pass through the metal detector or full body scanner.
- After this they will complete a hand check
This method will also work if you know your device will set off the metal detector or body scanner and you just don’t want the grief of a pat down.
If you cannot disconnect your pump, but it can pass through xray or body scanner then you can go through security like the rest of the population. The trick here is to hold your pump in your hand during the body scanner, and when you raise your arms. This makes it clear where security/TSA needs to look to examine your device. You will likely then undergo a hand check. But will have avoided the full body pat down.
If you cannot disconnect your pump, and it cannot pass through X-ray or body scanner then you potentially are committed to a full body pat down. It is important to specify which type of scanner your pump cannot go through because it is at the discretion of security/TSA to decide whether they will make the alternative scanners available to you. For example, whether they allow you to pass through a metal detector if your device cannot go through the full body scanner or vice versa. If you are able to pass through one or the other potentially they will allow you to pass through it. Alternatively they may do a full body pat down.
What Does Kate Do?
As a type one diabetic I have two medical devices: a Tandem insulin pump and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. Neither can pass through the full body scanner. I can safely be disconnected from my insulin for 10-15 minutes. The Dexcom continuous glucose monitor does not set off a metal detector, but my Tandem insulin pump does.
I have invested in TSA precheck, so I am often in a line with a metal detector! This allows me to quick disconnect my pump after the ID check, pass through the metal detector, and complete a hand check with my pump.
A final piece of advice!
Please, don’t put your device through radiation it is not cleared for out of convenience or embarrassment. The last thing you want on your trip, a plane, or when you get home is for your device to fail. This is also the biggest reason not to listen to security/TSA when they “advise” you on your device. It is out of pure convenience and an urge to keep the line moving that they tell us our devices can pass through forms of radiation that they are not cleared for. They are not the ones risking health and safety with that exposure.
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