Re: [IPk] RE: ip-uk-digest V4 #129
Agree that insulin must always be in hand luggage - but the issue here
is not only breakage, but temperature - as you point out heat is
problematic, and luggage can often be left standing outside in blazing
sunshine in the event of delays; extreme cold is also a problem, and
there can easily be freezing temperatures in the baggage compartment
of planes during flight.
>From what people write on this list, most people (myself included,
though when first pumping 13 years ago I was more wary) nowadays do go
through airport security scanner arches without removing pumps,
because the low currents and magnetic fields do not pose a danger. In
some airports there are now new x-ray scanners, and as far as I
understand these should also pose no risk to pumps. I work in the
field of medical imaging, and the only reports I know of damage to
insulin pumps from exposure to magnetic fields and radiation relate to
MRI, which uses magnetic fields massively stronger than anything that
would be present in security screening of the public, and all pump
companies specify that pumps must be taken off before an MRI scan, and
must be stored well outside the scanner room, and in addition there
have been very sparse reports of damage to an insulin pump worn during
certain unusual procedures like fluoroscopy involving use of
particularly high level of x-rays for a lengthy period. There is no
real reason to remove a pump during regular medical x-rays (but keep
it outside the field of view so that the x-ray images show your body
and not your pump!) even though the intensity there is much much
stronger than that used for airport security.
I've never heard reports of damage to an insulin pump as a result of
exposure to airport security - but feel free to correct me if I am
wrong about this. Meanwhile, in the absence of reports of rigorous
testing by the pump companies, it seems to me that everyone has to
make their own decision about this, knowing that many people have gone
through airport security wearing pumps on numerous occasions without
any negative effects, but that if you feel more comfortable not doing
so, security officials should be very willing to accomodate you.
Nanette
On 4 July 2011 12:19, Pauline Anderton <email @ redacted> wrote:
> You MUST NOT take a pump through a body scanner. Simply mention to
> security and they will accommodate you. I have travelled through
> Manchester on several occasions and have never had a problem. Your
> insulin is safe provided you do not leave it anywhere hot. I prefer to
> carry mine in hand luggage in case of breakage - we know what a busy
> airport baggage handling department is like!!
>
> Have a good trip.
>
> Regards
>
> Pauline
>
>
> Pauline Anderton
> Legal Secretary - Employment Law
>
> Myers Lister Price Solicitors
> 7 Market Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1QE
> DD: 0161 926 1528
> Fax: 0161 926 1557
> email @ redacted
>
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