The TSA has provided a list of permitted items allowed to pass through the security checkpoint when flying. These items include “all diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies” as well as “water, juice, or liquid nutrition.” We recommend that you allow extra time to be processed through airport security if you wear an insulin pump, or will need your diabetes supplies to be visually inspected.
If you have diabetes, please notify the Security Officer with this information, and that you are carrying your supplies with you. According to the TSA website, the following diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened:
- Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers, and preloaded syringes.
- Unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication.
- Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions;
- Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle); Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin.
- Glucagon emergency kit
- Urine ketone test strips
- Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.
- Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips.
Please note that insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.
Visual Inspections
If you would prefer a visual inspection of your pump instead of a normal X-ray screening, please request this by asking a Security officer before the screening process beings. If you do not, your medication and supplies will go through the X-ray inspection. You should have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag and your medications clearly labeled. In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
Advise the Security Officer that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin.
Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
Hypoglycemia During Screening
If you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance, please advice the Security Officer.
X-Raying Your Diabetes Supplies
Omnipod recommends in their user manual that you remove the pod before any sort of X-ray. They also recommned that the PDM not be in the same room where to procedure is taking place.
Dexcom’s entire system is safe to go through x-rays. There is no need to remove anything but we usually recommend that the patient leave the receiver outside the room since it usually unable to communicate during the procedure anyways.