I’m pretty sure that I’ve told you about my late mother-in-law, who was disabled. She had a chronic condition that required her to wear braces on her legs, and either use crutches or, more often, a wheelchair. So, not surprisingly, any time she went through TSA security, she had to get a pat down because had she gone through the metal detection screening (she was gone before TSA PreCheck came about), she’d definitely beep because of all the metal on (and in; she had had several joint replacements, too) her.
I also have a friend whose mom has had a pacemaker for years. She’s always hesitant to go through any scanner because a friend of hers told her that she read something online that it’s dangerous to to do (because that’s always the best way to learn things – the dark hole of Google Misinformation University).
TSA’s Guidelines on Medical Devices
Experiences like my mother-in-law’s and my friend’s parent are not anecdotal, where you hear that “this person who had a hip replacement” and “that person with a pacemaker” have to get a pat down instead of going through the screening that includes a metal detector. In fact, the TSA has a whole page about:
What are the procedures if I have an internal or external medical device, such as a pacemaker or metal implant?
They say:
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can facilitate your screening and reduces the likelihood of a pat-down. Inform the TSA officer that you have an artificial knee, hip, other metal implant or a pacemaker, defibrillator or other internal medical device. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device such as a pacemaker. Consult with your physician prior to flying.
If you choose to not be screened through the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), or a walk-through metal detector (WTMD), you will undergo a pat-down screening.
Wait, what’s up if you have a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)?
In 2019, Heart, Lung, and Circulation conducted a study where selected 302 patients with cardiac devices and placed them in an airport-style Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full body scanner. The researchers discovered no electromagnetic interference, and the devices maintained a regular pace throughout the screening process. This has also been documented by Boston Scientific, Ochsner Health System, John Hopkins Medicine, Heart.org and other medical/science facilities.
So there should not be any issues with going through an AIT. However the metal parts of a pacemaker or ICD could set off metal detector alarms. So always tell the security officer about your pacemaker beforehand.
Also, if you’re “wanded” with a hand-held security wand, the wand could temporarily affect your device if it is held over it for too long. So, if the airport security person must use a wand, tell them that it must be done quickly and they shouldn’t hold the wand over your pacemaker or ICD.
Also, of course, consult with your physician before flying.
And what if I have a pin/plate/screws in a bone, joint replacement, dental implant, etc.?
Pretty much the same thing as someone who has a pacemaker.
Large metal implants such as internal pins, plates or screws could potentially set off a metal detector. Let the officer know you have hardware on your bone, as part of a joint, etc. Many patients are given a medical card for this purpose.
Dental implants typically use non-magnetic materials such as titanium or zirconia, so they shouldn’t (operative word: shouldn’t) trigger a metal detector. But again, if you set off the metal detector, just let the officer know you have a tooth implant.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with medical devices can add an extra layer of stress when going through airport security, but with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Always inform TSA officers about your medical conditions and consult your doctor before flying, especially if you have concerns about scanners or other screening equipment.
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1 comment
I had a hip replacement six years ago and always ask for the full body scan. Almost always go right through. Occasionally get wanded.