TSA screenings update for people with diabetes

I travel for work, which requires significant air travel (foreign and domestic, ~200,000 miles flown per year). I've been pumping for 10 years, and just started with the CGM two weeks ago. I always where my pump through the metal detector at security. If all other metal is removed, the detector does't alarm. In the USA, this is usually followed up by the hand swabbing mentioned previously. This is now a much improved process over what it was even a few years ago.
Many of the airports in the US are now using the "millimeter Wave" technology full body scanner, which has a sign posted by it noting that it does not use X-Ray. I have worn my pump through these scanners many times, and there have been no noted issues. I have not warn the CGM through yet, since today I was routed through the metal detector.
My question the Medtronic is this: your advice is to not use the full body scanners as some of these in use may use X-Ray technology. So, if the scanner specifically states that it is Millimeter Wave, and not X-Ray, is this alright to go through?
Clarification on these different types of scanners would be greatly appreciated. As for international travel, I've been very lucky in that whenever I explain that it is an insulin pump, they have never required me to take it off for the Xray.
Thanks!

What exactly does the x-ray does to a pump? I have been putting my pump through the x-ray machine just to get through the metal detector faster for more than 10 years. I am not aware that it harmed my pump. Thank you.

So if the advice is to "remove your insulin pump and CGM while going through an airport body scanner and not send your insulin pump through the x-ray machine", then what are we supposed to do with the pump? If we can't wear it, hold it, or send it through xray, what's the alternative?

I see repetetive, stock answers here to the same suggestions and complaints: Why isn't Medtronics supplying the TSA with a list of devices that cannot go through body scanners and x-rays? Why is it up to the customer to have to explain, educate and rationalize this to TSA agents, which creates an atmosphere of tension and confusion while trying to get a manual pat down? You have to hand them Medtronics cards and literature while you're on line, every time! It's ridiculous and it can be resolved by the company getting the TSA educated. Why not?

That’s a great question, Lyn. You can continue to wear your insulin pump and CGM while going through the airport metal detector, as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. You can also request an alternative pat-down screening.

Don, I understand your frustration and am sorry for any negative experiences you’ve had while travelling with your insulin pump. Although taking an insulin pump through airport security is quite common and TSA is aware that insulin pumps and CGM’s cannot go through body scanners and x-rays, it is always a good idea to carry the Airport Information Card when travelling. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Do you have any statistics on the pump/sensor problems after TSA screenings and exactly what sort of problems occur?? Does it go completely dead...lose some of the programming....take on a life of its own and give random boluses????I have traveled with a pump for at least 15 years and CGM for 3 or 4 and have never had any issues whatsoever. Both have survived the x ray body scan numerous times in the US, Mexico, Central America and a couple of places in Europe and Israel. My backup pump has gone through the carry on luggage xray and although I haven't needed it, the last time I but a battery in in, it appeared that it would work just fine. I set off a metal detector once in France right after a terrorist attack during a period of increased security. The problem there was mostly due to a language barrier. I have also never needed any medical documentation anywhere. Perhaps I'm just lucky or ignorance is bliss??? I recently read something about pump problems and the TSA, so I decided to investigate. I'm finding all of this very surprizing. The only problem I do have which is probably due to some kind of xray interference is that my sensor sometimes "gets lost" when I'm working in a medical building where I'm close to the radiology department. As soon as I leave the building, I can "find the lost sensor" with no lasting ill effects.

Hi Carrie,

I am frustrated with Medtronic. I am a physician and 23 year Minimed/Medtronic pump user, and in the recent years also use the CGM system. I'm also a frequent flyer. I last posted nearly a year ago, and nothing about this issue has really changed.

All I, and a number of this blogs' posters want, is an official written Medtronic document of some kind, (not a blog print out) that clarifies that Medtronic insulin pumps and CGM transmitters are unable to safely go though the airport scanners, regardless of whether they do or do not use Xray technology. That Medtronic's position is that such exposure exposes the passenger to harm.

As I, and others, have pointed out, your Airport Information on the Emergency Medical Card continues to leave your dedicated Medtronic customers in the middle between TSA and Medtronic on this issue. It says the following (cut and paste).:

"Medtronic has conducted of cial testing on the effects of the full body scanners at airports with Medtronic medical devices. Some of the new scanners may include x-ray. To avoid removing your devices, you may request an alternative screening process. If you choose to go through a full body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter). Do not send your devices through the x-ray machine as an alternative."

The comment that "Some of the new scanners may include X-ray." implies that the X-ray technology is the (only) reason that the pump and CGM cannot go through the scanner. You tell us that that is not the only reason.. On the phone, Medtronic reps will tell us verbally that this is not the only reason. It borders on the absurd that no one at Medtronic appears to be able to provide this information officially, and in writing.

All I seem to be left to do is check on how the other pump manufacturers deal with this and despite 23 years with you, maybe make the jump when the next pump is due. I am flying more, and face another difficult international security screening next week. Despite another long call with Medtronic today, I will go with nothing from Medtronic to back up the claims that you tell me to make regarding airport scanners.

Linda

I am a frequent traveler and have been for many years. While it would be nice to have the TSA follow a simple rule, it is not realistic for a variety of reasons. Just as with any medical issue, we are responsible for our own safety and we have the ob ligation to stand up for ourselves.

When it was not popular, I refused to go through the full-body machines and would sometimes be ridiculed by the TSA officer. I would request another and also that persons name and ID and a supervisor. Their ignorance has to be met and addressed. They work for us and we should not be treated poorly because of a medical disability.

Now, there is a way to avoid most of this. Get Pre-Check or Global Entry. I did so many years ago. I am hassled far less frequently and the screeners realize we are the frequent travelers and are the experienced in the process.

The bottom line is the TSA would not isolate, ridicule or in anyway malign a person with a prosthetic device...it just is not politically correct and we should not accept any discriminatory treatment for our disability.

I have also written my congressman and senators and the TSA...the squeaky wheel gets the oil...

I travel lot and I went to body scanner with my pump many time I will said at least 10 times. I wonder if it ok? and my pump seems not have any problem much. What should I do with my insulin pump when I go to security?

While some airports in some countries use back-scattered X-ray in their full body scanner, others, such as my local airport, use millimeter wave radiation in their FBS. Is it okay to wear the pump through that? I can understand not wearing the CGM transmitter thru X-ray but why would you need to remove (and waste) the sensor itself?

I am not new to insulin pumps and CGM's but am new to Medtronic. At the airport can my unused Guardan Sensors and my transmitter charger go through the X-ray machine in my carry on luggage.

I flew from Dulles to Hartford last month. I handed the TSA Notification Card to the agents at both screening points. In Dulles, I had no problem. They were very nice and did a pat-down. Hartford (Bradley Airport, CT) was another story. The agent looked at the card & said "Insulin Pump? That little plastic thing?" and then directed me to proceed through the scanner. I said no, I needed a pat-down or a wanding. She disagreed. After her telling me "Everyone does" and my disagreeing 3 times, I went through the machine, so as not to miss my flight or be arrested. I was very upset and filed a complaint with TSA. Their disabilities department is currently investigating. I've had trouble controlling my BG since then. Coincidence? I don't know.

Shouldn’t this post be updated? There have been a lot of changes with pumps and the TSA since 2011. Thanks!