There's been alot of discussion lately on TSA beefing up their security as of October 29, 2010 and also for those of us who travel with diabetic supplies (e.g. in my case, pen needles, insulin pump(s), etc.). I just posted a blog today at Diabetes1.org concerning my insulin pump going thru' the full body scanner / x-ray (my vacation loaner pump goes thru' in my carry on). I found out that I should NOT be sending both these devices thru' either security machines. You can read more about it here later if wish.
My main concern now - is what about our blood meters? I only have one, unlike many Americans who seem to have extra's - I'm a lone ranger. If that blood meter goes wacko - I'm stuck in a rut - when I'm in a foreign country (ok - am going to be in USA in few weeks - which is okay - but in the Caribbean islands where I'll be cruising - that's another story).
So, what is your opinion on our blood meters going thru' the x-ray machines at airports? Have you ever questioned the manufacturer of your device?
I’m not a regular flier, but my meter has gone through the x ray every time I’ve flown and so far it’s still behaving. I’ve always assumed that if you can send all your other electronics through it should be the same. I don’t know about insulin pumps and the new scanners.
I don’t think it would cause a problem. I mean, we do send our wallets, cameras, laptops etc. through those X-ray machines in airports and nothing happens with it. When I’ve been to China (3 times) they even have X-ray checks at train stations and subway stations so my wallet has been through X-ray numerous of times and my bank card still works fine. I think the same should apply to devices like bg meters.
I do not carry my bg meter when traveling, but I have brought a totally new one with me to China in my checked in luggage and my friend I sent it to said it works just fine even after going through the X-ray on the luggage band, and I think that X-ray is stronger than the ones they use at the security check point.
But maybe it could be a good idea to have one backup meter in case the main one malfunctions for one reason or another? Especially as mmol/l calibrated test strips does not work in mg/dl meters and other way around.
I would however be a bit more careful with a pump as it can be very bad if that malfunctions!
But one thing you can try when passing through the metal detector in airport is to NOT have your pump under clothes. I’ve noticed that my bracelet and watch beeps if hidden under clothes, but if I roll up my sleeves, it doesn’t beep.
My glucometers always go through the x-machine in my carry on. As well as my back up as well. No issues here. I will never, based on the advice of MM, send my pump through the x-ray belt, nor wear it in the full body scanners until they say it is safe - any from what I understand, there is no position statement on that yet.
I have always put my meter through for the past 10 years and have never had a problem. I would recommend that you try to get a back-up meter asap though:) Not just for travel but for everyday. You can often get them for free or low cost from an endo or by calling the company.
What information did you find out that led you to believe that you shouldn’t be putting your insullin pump through the x-ray? I have no experience with the full body scanner, but I always went through security before with it linked to me. The medtronic trainer did warn me not to BOLUS when going through because it will make the pump go haywire.
Manuals for all pumps I’ve ever seen say never to put them through X-rays, MRI’s, etc. They can go through general everyday electromagnetic scanners (like metal detectors) though.
Some pump companies say that taking your pump through an X-ray actually voids its warranty and if they find out, they won’t provide service if the pump malfunctions.
The X-ray waves can apparently do something to the piston rod inside that acts as a plunger, giving you more or less insulin than you want. It can also mess with the general electronics of the pump.
if i understood this right then i kinda agree with you.
i went through a type of x-ray machine at a muesum and my pump & braces of course set it off so i got wanded, not my point, my pump kept making odd noises afterwards for a few days. it stopped though. it kinda worried me…
my meter i forgot on the bus so i couldn’t tell ya about that
and it’s always scared me to go through the airport and have needles and what not in my bag, they might think i’m a drugie! D:
haha, just sayingg. (:
hope this helped…? <33
So, I guess I need to learn more about the new full body scanners before I go through. Are they more like an X-ray than like the old system? Just a simple metal detector, is that all it was? I have always just worm mine through the checkpoint, although I have heard many people here say they put them in their carry-on baggage. I have taken back up pumps with me and I must have put them through as I carried it in my backpack. …I guess maybe I was just lucky.
I know they definitely cannot be used during MRI’s, which allow no metal at all. I did wear mine during a recent mammogram, as well as during dental x-rays, but I think those are pretty “place specific” in terms of location on the body, and my pump was on my belt.
Every meter I’ve ever seen is simply an electronic device, and X-rays and magnetic fields do not affect them. Insulin pumps on the other hand, by their very nature have to be mechanical and can be vulnerable to magnetic fields and any fields that can cause those fields, including X-rays and things like CAT scans.
Think about it, your cell phone and your computer are fine with X-rays, and your meter will also be fine.
