My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

presents

WebMD Community Talk Show

Serving up a new debate daily, this is the place where putting up your dukes and defending your opinion is encouraged.

Last Reply:

TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin Pump

Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:

It seems that there is no end to the airport security stories. This time, a 16-year-old girl with Type 1 diabetes was forced to go through a full-body scanner even though she had a doctor's note asking that she be patted down instead. Her parents claim her $10,000 pump was ruined.

People with other medical devices, such as pacemakers, should also go through pat-downs rather than the body scanner.

What would you do if the TSA tried to force you through a scanner when you knew it would affect your medical device?

What do you think should be done about this particular situation?

6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpIt seems that there is no end to the airport security stories. This time, a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/08/11604317-16-year-old-diabetic-blames-tsa-for-breaking-her-insulin-pump?lite">16-year-old girl with Type 1 diabetes</a> was forced to go through a full-body scanner even though she had a doctor's note asking that she be patted down instead. Her parents claim her $10,000 pump was ruined. People with other medical devices, such as pacemakers, should also go through pat-downs rather than the body scanner. What would you do if the TSA tried to force you through a scanner when you knew it would affect your medical device? What do you think should be done about this particular situation?

Demons2011 responded:

Like most things with government control there isn't any common sense.

Yes, the doctors note could be falsified. It would seem pre-qualifying individuals would make more sense than "forcing" a person to go into a scanner which could damage medical equipment.

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpLike most things with government control there isn't any common sense. Yes, the doctors note could be falsified. It would seem pre-qualifying individuals would make more sense than "forcing" a person to go into a scanner which could damage medical equipment.

B_Nazario_WebMD_Medical_Staff responded:

It's important to be prepared and have a 'Plan b' when blood sugars go awry.

Anytime insulin ceases to be delivered in a person with type 1 diabetes this can lead to trouble. In this case, it's rapid or very rapid acting insulin"026meaning the potential for this malfunction to have been life threatening was much much higher. Having a plan in place assures you that you're in control should something unforeseeable happen.

For folks with an insulin pump, if you are going to have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or any other type of radiation therapy, take your pump off, and remove them from the area. Regardless of the pump, during travel it's important to be extra vigilant about blood sugars and check then more often.

Dr. Bruni

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpIt's important to be prepared and have a 'Plan b' when blood sugars go awry. Anytime insulin ceases to be delivered in a person with type 1 diabetes this can lead to trouble. In this case, it's rapid or very rapid acting insulin"026meaning the potential for this malfunction to have been life threatening was much much higher. Having a plan in place assures you that you're in control should something unforeseeable happen. For folks with an insulin pump, if you are going to have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or any other type of radiation therapy, take your pump off, and remove them from the area. Regardless of the pump, during travel it's important to be extra vigilant about blood sugars and check then more often. Dr. Bruni

mikepisciotta responded:

I have an implanted ICD/Pacemaker and luckily have never encountered something like this. That said, TSA employees have told me the scanner is safe for my device, but I still ask for pat down where scanners are not being used. I think it's criminal they would refuse to pat this girl down per her request.

As far as my device is concerned, is what the TSA is telling me accurate?

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpI have an implanted ICD/Pacemaker and luckily have never encountered something like this. That said, TSA employees have told me the scanner is safe for my device, but I still ask for pat down where scanners are not being used. I think it's criminal they would refuse to pat this girl down per her request. As far as my device is concerned, is what the TSA is telling me accurate?

An_242764 responded:

TSA should know of the risks and should be honest about it. With a pump it's obvious she has one. You can't falsify that.

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpTSA should know of the risks and should be honest about it. With a pump it's obvious she has one. You can't falsify that.

2pearle2 responded:

This is wrong especially if you have a note from your doctor and it is signed by him or her!!!! I am sure the insurance company is NOT going to appreciate buying another pump for this girl or any other person as medical costs rise plus the goverment will be sued over this I can just see the suits coming!!!!

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpThis is wrong especially if you have a note from your doctor and it is signed by him or her!!!! I am sure the insurance company is NOT going to appreciate buying another pump for this girl or any other person as medical costs rise plus the goverment will be sued over this I can just see the suits coming!!!!

JenPBDBP2 responded:

Hey, Americans wanted security, we got it. Now we're complaining because it's not just the darker skinned people getting harassed.

Report This| Share this:TSA Destroys 16-year-old's Insulin PumpHey, Americans wanted security, we got it. Now we're complaining because it's not just the darker skinned people getting harassed.

WebMD Talk Show

Feel like a friendly debate? Take the gloves off and defend your viewpoint.

Learn More

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Expert Blog

Diagnosis: Reality Check

Putting perspective on health news and names in the spotlight.Read More

Other Great Information

WebMD News Center Read the latest in health news and features.
WebMD Newsroom Blog Breaking health news at your fingertips.
WebMD Reality Check Blog Your daily dose of reality around fun and intriguing health topics.

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.