X-Ray vs. Body Scanner vs. Metal Detector: What's Actually Safe for Insulin Pumps and CGMs
Three machines, three different answers, and the manufacturers don't all agree. Here is what each screening type does and exactly what each major device is cleared for.
Walk into any US airport and you'll face up to three different screening machines: the walk-through metal detector, the body scanner you stand inside, and the X-ray belt your bags ride through. People lump them together as "the scanner." Manufacturers don't.
Each device maker has tested, or not tested, their hardware against each machine type, and their answers differ. This guide lays out all of it, device by device, sourced from the manufacturers' own user guides. No forum rumors.
Screening is only half the battle. Our free calculator tells you exactly how many sensors, pods, and vials to bring for your specific devices and trip length.
Build my packing list →The Three Machines, Plainly Explained
1. Walk-through metal detector
The archway you walk through. It uses low-strength electromagnetic fields to find metal. Every major diabetes device manufacturer clears their pumps and sensors for this one. It is the least controversial machine in the airport.
2. AIT body scanner (millimeter wave)
The booth you stand in with your hands up. Despite the intimidating look, US airport body scanners use millimeter waves, not X-rays. This is the machine manufacturers disagree about most. Some clear it, some don't, and one major CGM changed its answer between generations.
3. Baggage X-ray
The tunnel your carry-on rides through on the belt. This one uses actual X-rays, and it's strictly for bags. Your worn devices never go through it, but your spare sensors, pods, and backup pumps do, unless you ask otherwise.
The Full Comparison
This table covers the device you're wearing. Spare supplies in your bag are covered right below it.
| Device (worn) | Metal detector | AIT body scanner | Baggage X-ray (spares) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes, but use a fingerstick meter until past security | ✗ No, request hand inspection |
| Dexcom G6 | ✓ Yes | ✗ No, request pat-down instead | ✗ No, request hand inspection |
| Omnipod 5 (pod + controller) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes, per Insulet |
| Tandem t:slim X2 | ✓ Yes | ✗ No, request alternative screening | ✗ No |
| Medtronic MiniMed + Guardian | ✓ Yes | ✗ No, request alternative screening | ✗ No |
| Freestyle Libre 2 / 3 | ✓ Yes | ✗ No, request alternative screening | ? Unclear, request hand inspection to be safe |
Sources: Dexcom G6 and G7 user guides, Insulet Omnipod manuals, Tandem t:slim X2 user guide, Medtronic MiniMed airport travel card, Abbott Freestyle Libre support documentation. Links at the bottom of this article.
Why the Answers Differ
It comes down to testing and caution, not physics debates. Dexcom tested the G7 against body scanners and cleared it, with the caveat that they haven't tested every scanner in existence, hence the fingerstick-until-you're-through advice. The G6 never got that clearance, so Dexcom's guidance stays conservative.
Tandem and Medtronic go further: both state that newer full-body scanners are a form of X-ray for their purposes and tell users to avoid them entirely. Their pumps use motor technology the companies don't want exposed to that energy. Insulet is the outlier in the other direction. The Omnipod uses a different delivery mechanism, and Insulet explicitly clears pods and controllers for X-ray machines, body scanners, and metal detectors alike.
Abbott's position on the Libre is simple: metal detectors are fine, full-body scanners are not, because the effect on the sensor hasn't been evaluated and exposure may damage it or skew readings.
What I Actually Do
Here's my honest routine, with one important caveat at the end.
I have never opted out of the body scanner. I didn't even realize opting out was a thing until a few years ago. Since then I've just kept walking through, Dexcom G6 on my arm and Omnipod 5 on my body, and I have had zero issues. No errors, no dead sensors, no pump alarms. Nothing.
The caveat: Dexcom's official guidance says G6 users should not go through the AIT body scanner. I do it anyway, and it's been fine for me, but that's my personal call based on my own experience, not a recommendation. Your sensor, your money, your call. Read your device manual and decide for yourself. If you own a Tandem or Medtronic pump, I'd take the manufacturer's no more seriously, since their concern is the pump motor, not just sensor accuracy.
How to Request Alternative Screening
If your device maker says skip the scanner, or you just prefer not to go through, here's the process:
- Say so before screening starts. Tell the officer you wear a medical device and are requesting alternative screening. Don't wait until you're in the booth.
- Expect a pat-down. An officer pats down the area around the device, visually inspects it, and swabs your hands to test for explosive trace residue.
- You keep everything on. TSA will not require you to remove a device attached to your body. Disconnected spares in your bag can be hand-inspected instead of X-rayed on request.
- Budget a few extra minutes. It usually adds under ten minutes. You can also request private screening if you'd rather not do it in the open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the airport body scanner damage my insulin pump?
It depends on the pump. Medtronic and Tandem say their pumps should not go through body scanners and advise requesting alternative screening. Insulet says Omnipod 5 pods and controllers can safely pass through. When in doubt, opt out and request a pat-down.
Can I wear my CGM through the walk-through metal detector?
Yes. Dexcom, Abbott, and Medtronic all clear their CGM sensors for walk-through metal detectors. These use low-strength magnetic fields that don't affect the devices.
What's the difference between the body scanner and the X-ray machine?
The body scanner (AIT) uses millimeter waves and screens you as you stand in it. The X-ray machine scans your carry-on bags on the conveyor belt. They are different machines with different manufacturer rules, so check guidance for each separately.
Do spare sensors and pods go through the bag X-ray machine?
Dexcom says not to put G6 or G7 components through X-ray machines, so request hand inspection for spares. Tandem and Medtronic also say no X-ray for their pumps. Insulet says Omnipod pods and controllers are fine through X-ray. For anything unclear, ask the officer for a visual inspection.
What if a TSA officer insists I go through the body scanner?
You have the right to request alternative screening at any point. Tell the officer your device manufacturer advises against the scanner and ask for a pat-down with visual inspection. If needed, ask for a supervisor.
Does opting out of the body scanner take longer?
Usually a few extra minutes. An officer does a pat-down, visually inspects the device, and swabs your hands for explosive trace detection. Build in an extra 10 minutes at the airport and it's a non-event.