Humiliation at Manchester airport

[Deleted member 527103]

My Libre have been through airport scanners 10s of times and never been a problem.
This includes sensors that are unattached and gone through the x-ray machine and attached sensors that have gone through the arch.
I have not worn them in the full body scanner because I have a pump. i am more concerned about a pump failure than a sensor failure.
I don’t tell anyone about my diabetes unless I have to or if they ask. So, if I am not invited through the body scanner, no one knows what I consider to be private information about me. I do not believe you have to “declare” that you have the sensors or that you have diabetes.

 

[Towynway]

I’ve had 2 horrible experiences with security at Manchester airport. Both trips I have explained I have a diabetic sensor and can’t use the scanners. The first time the border guard was abusive and rude. Told me I couldn’t use diabetes as an excuse. I wasn’t sure what excuse I was using it for! The second time they patted me down in front of everyone and refused to let me through without using an X-ray scanner. I spoke to the manufacturer of the sensor and they told me it’s now potentially damaged and I should replace it immediately. Both incidents were humiliating. Both times another traveller came and asked it f I was ok and expressed their disgust at how I was treated. Avoid this airport.

That is disgraceful and needs attention immediately !

 

[SamJB]

I just checked Omnipod’s FAQs and it’s safe to go through airport scanners

https://www.omnipod.com/en-gb/current-customers/resources/omnipod-dash-faq#:~:text=Can%20I%20take%20the%20Omnipod,ray%20machine%20at%20the%20airport%3F&text=The%20Omnipod%20DASH®%20PDM%20and%20Pods%20can%20be%20treated,be%20worn%20through%20airport%20scanners.

Looks like Libres can’t though

Useful tips

Find out what the FreeStyle Libre is and how it works.

www.freestyle.abbott

 

[urbanracer]

Here's a couple of useful links to information relating to metal detectors, full body scanners and X-Ray machines.

JDRF Advice page

The embedded video un the JDRF wepage advises you to navigate to mdacard.com - doing so will simply take you to the following CAA internet page and pdf file.

CAA Medical Device Awareness Card

 

[Ladynijo]

I’ve just been through security at Gatwick South with a spare Libre in my hand luggage. I had it still in the sealed box, and I just handed it to the security guy and told him that it was medical equipment and that it couldn’t go through the scanner. He said that’s fine, he knew exactly what it was & he took it round to the other side, where they did swab tests on the box (for drugs or explosives, not sure which, but it was all quite relaxed). They didn’t open the box because it was obviously still sealed from the manufacturer. So not too bad an experience at a very busy security area in a major airport.

I wasn’t wearing a sensor as I’m T2 and only use one occasionally to make sure I’m hitting my targets.

Just thought people may find it useful to know if they’re travelling.

 

[Zinadane]

Abbott states:
'The effect of these scanners has not been evaluated and the exposure may damage the Sensor or cause inaccurate results.'

Which is just the usual sort of disclaimer to make sure they cannot be held responsible by anyone thinking their sensor has been damaged.
I've never noticed any potential issues after about 6 passes through these scanners. I seriously doubt the scanner can cause any problem to the libre.

 

[Zinadane]

II pack all my stuff as compact as I can in hand luggage, I never declare my diabetes. I've never had a problem. Only once in about 20 trips did they want to exam my luggage. They looked at my pens, I said diabetic and they then waved me on. No problem

 

[becca59]

Went through a body scanner and hand luggage through the X Ray on 4 occasions. Zero problems. All working just as well on the other side.