Re: [IPk] RE: ip-uk-digest V4 #129
I quite agree Nanette. I have always simply removed my pump and placed in my
hand luggage to walk through the scanner, then reattached once through the
scanner. I have never had my bag searched or had any query regarding my pump
doing it this way. One thing to note is that the pump must be placed in a clear
bag as it obviously contains a liquid and new security regulations require any
liquids to be separately packed in a clear bag, as I'm sure you know.
By the way, people have mentioned packing insulin in hand luggage to avoid
heat/cold damage, I quite agree with this but wanted to add that it's important
also to pack ALL pump supplies (sets, batteries etc) in your hand luggage - this
way if your hold baggage should go astray for any reason you know with
confidence that you have everything you need with you!
I realise that everyone's experiences will vary but just wanted to chip in with
my contribution!
Cathy
On 4 Jul 2011, at 11:12, Nanette Freedman <email @ redacted> wrote:
> 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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