Hi
@Krisjan I went through one of the full body scanners by mistake when I first got the pump and had no issue. I also travel on a regular basis, and have experienced everything from being waved through nonchalantly, to being taken to a private room for a full body search when I have refused since.
I went to a pump evening last month, where representatives from a couple of the pump manufacturers were present (except mine - Animas), where I raised the question, and issues, and they were surprised there was one! Literally they said they had only ever been asked once and said that if we have a problem at security we should raise it with the manufacturers, as until it is raised, nothing will be done.
As a follow up, in my DSNs words "I wrote a long email to each of the pump companies I deal with mainly (Medtronic, Animas & Roche) following our pump evening highlighting the concerns & contradictions between company advice & airport information for body scanners.
Medtronic responded saying they have not done any research so don’t know if it is safe therefore are advising it isn’t but gave no indication if/when testing would start.
Animas was more positive, acknowledging the problems and saying much the same as Medtronic about not enough information available yet. However they do seem to be investigating with their R & D department and engineers and say they are not quite ready to release a statement to patients yet but would keep me informed.
Roche have not responded."
I feel the pump companies are failing us on this topic. Airport security is pot-luck in terms of it depends on what kind of day the security person is having. Animas have provided me a letter stating it is a medical device that should not go through XRay, but I have even had security still tell me it is fine.
Having read the Animas literature, whilst they categorically state it must not be worn near medical XRays, when it comes to airport security they state:
"Your pump
may set off the metal detector at airport security check-in. Additionally, airport security systems, such as X-rays,
may damage the pump, so it
may be necessary to disconnect and remove the pump prior to going through security. Contact your local airport administration or security office before traveling by air to obtain information about bringing your pump through airport security check-in."
Reading this statement verbatim, I am going to politely ask for the pump to be swabbed, but NOT placed through either the baggage or body scanners. IF and only IF they insist it goes through the walk through scanner on my person, then I will comply, but only after ensuring they have read the letter from Animas AND I have stated if anything happens I will be suing them personally, for going against the Animas directive.
hope this helps
