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Freestyle Libre and airport security

yossop

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. Just wondering what you can and can't do with a Freestyle Libre at airport security.... can they pass safely through X-ray & full body scan machines? There appears to be conflicting guidance online (Abbot website suggests they can't go through full body scanners and x-ray, whereas 'official' guidance from the Diabetes org UK website suggest that they will be fine during a full body scan and X-ray). I'm planning to have all the necessary supporting documents etc to get me through security, it is more about whether the performance of the sensor will be affected by exposing it to x-ray/full body scans etc. Thanks!!
 
I have travelled with my Libre. It has been through the metal detector arch and no one noticed whilst attached an unattached Libres have enjoyed trips on the x-ray conveyor belt without impact future accuracy or duration.
As I have a pump, I resist body scanners.
 
Thank you for sharing your experience. Any thoughts about hand held metal detectors they use to scan you head to toe? Wonder whether it would knock out the sensor stuck to your arm causing it to malfunction!
 
Hi I’m an airline pilot (T1!) and have a libre....regularly through all sorts of detectors etc....no issues I assure you.

Get a letter and repeat prescription to ease yourself through security etc....oh and don't forget some emergency carbs in your hand luggage : )
 
Glucobabu said:
Thank you for sharing your experience. Any thoughts about hand held metal detectors they use to scan you head to toe? Wonder whether it would knock out the sensor stuck to your arm causing it to malfunction!
Click to expand...
A hand held detectors did not even spot the Libre on my arm.
 
Just back having travelled through several airports including full body scanner and hand held. No problem with either, CliveT2 response above is certainly compelling and matches my recent experience.
 
I have a freestyle libre and have travelled many times without any problem at all. I put my insulin and any needles in the clear plastic bag and travel with a copy of my prescription. I have NEVER had a problem. If I’m frisked I explain what it is but they never question it. The scanners never sound with the libre. Have a good trip
 
Thank you- that's really helpful!
 
Thanks- that's really helpful. Now all i have to do is to be able to survive Disney with my kids....!!
 
Thank you!
 
Very reassuring indeed. I didn’t know you were allowed to fly planes being Type1. Good on you!
 
I've also just found that you can get a Medical Device Awareness Card, provided by the Civil Aviation Authority. It's just a self-printed form but could come in useful. I can't post the link but I just googled 'JDRF medical device awareness card' and it popped up.
 
I'm off to Berlin shortly so having just had the Freestyle Libre I'll find out directly if there are any issues with it when checking in - I've got my fingers crossed. That was a very helpful question with reassuring responses.
 
Glucobabu said:
Very reassuring indeed. I didn’t know you were allowed to fly planes being Type1. Good on you!
Click to expand...

Indeed, been flying for 38 years.....but only recently T1 diagnosed (thought it was T2, actually slow/late onset T1). You can indeed fly commercially, quite rightly with a lot of oversight and testing protocols and you must fly with another pilot without any medical issues, but completely possible. And I’m certainly not letting this ground me yet...
 
Ok, I can’t answer the question! But I’m intrigued by how many of you have the Freestyle Libre. I fit all the so called criteria to be prescribed Freestyle, but my GP just says ‘no we are not prescribing ‘ I have written on here about it, I have contacted my MP, I have asked the surgery practice manager to explain, I have contacted NHS England , all to no avail. Not one of these people even responded to my question. So if any of you have the answer as to why I’m unable to obtain this I would be very pleased to hear it.
 
I am currently on trial with Libre instigated by my consultant at the diabetic clinic at the local hospital who are monitoring if I have benefitted from it. I think it has made a huge improvement to my day to day life and see no reason why I would not be allowed to continue with it. Most GPs are reluctant to prescribe Libre but would not resist a hospital recommendation. So I would suggest you take the same route. I am assuming that as a Type 1 you are attending the specialist diabetic clinic at a hospital. Failing that you could try contacting the charity Diabetes UK for advice.
 
I qualified under the new criteria, and have a very supportive GP (who is also type 1) but even then the surgery have time limited my repeat prescription for the Freestyle and want an HB1C to check my levels at the end of the time period, with no guarantee that I will get it again. Financial constraints are clearly impacting the ability/willingness to prescribe the Freestyle.
I find the Libre useful in helping me manage day-to-day, although it does have its limitations. Hopefully you’ll be able to get it soon....
 
I've been to the Netherlands and back with my freestyle libre in the past and I have not faced any issues with security. Going through security did not interupt the way the libre works, or malfunctioned.

I think it's the wrong forum post to ask under but as from past discussions, GPs cannot prescribe freestyle libre sensors. So you will need to speak with your Diabetes consultant/Endo about it. It's the same for insulin pumps and CGMs. Consultants can approve funding for it and get the process up and running if he or she agrees that you fit the criteria.
 
Glucobabu said:
Thank you for sharing your experience. Any thoughts about hand held metal detectors they use to scan you head to toe? Wonder whether it would knock out the sensor stuck to your arm causing it to malfunction!
Click to expand...

I worry about it being patted too hard and failing if the needle gets bent?
Michele
 
I was told by the team that attached it not to go through any xrays or scanners and I was given a letter by them to take with me when travelling. I went to Belfast recently and had to get a full body search and several of them poured over my letter but otherwise there was no issue. I'm a little worried about my upcoming trip to Mallorca though as on the way back they may not understand the letter. So we'll see then how they respond.
 
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