PIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK: 3/27/06 Q: What are the current recommendations for airline travel with insulin and diabetic supplies? A: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with enforcing airport security measures required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is also responsible for training and providing information to federal security screeners to recognize the physical appearance and importance of immediate passenger accessibility to diabetes equipment, medication, and supplies. The following information has been provided by the American Diabetes Association. It can hopefully reduce inconvenience for insulin-dependent airline travelers. Additional information may be obtained from the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. International passengers should consult with their individual air carriers to determine current international regulations. The following information applies to people with diabetes traveling within the fifty states who must carry their equipment, medication, and supplies aboard an airplane. Notify the security screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Make sure your insulin vials, insulin pens, jet injectors, and insulin pump are accompanied by a professionally printed pharmacy label identifying the medication (insulin). Since the prescription label is usually on the outside of the box containing the vial of insulin or pens, it is recommended that passengers refrain from discarding their insulin box and come prepared with their insulin in its original labeled box from the pharmacy. There is no limitation on the number of empty syringes that may be carried through the security checkpoint; however, insulin must be with you in order to carry syringes through the checkpoint. Lancets and blood glucose meters and test strips can be carried through the security checkpoint. For passengers who test their blood glucose levels, but who do not require insulin, boarding with lancets is acceptable as long as the lancets are capped and brought on board with a glucose meter that has the manufacturer’s name embossed on the meter. Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and request that they visually inspect the pump rather than removing it from your body. Advise screeners when you experience a low blood glucose level and are in need of medical assistance. References: • American Diabetes Association. Traveling with diabetes supplies. http://www.diabetes.org/main/application/commercewf (accessed 2006 March 22). • Transportation Security Administration. Persons with diabetes. http://www.tsa.gov (accessed 2006 March 22). Kristy L. Kendrick, Pharmacy Clerkship Student
Gary M. Kebejian, Pharmacy Clerkship Student
The PIC Question of the Week is a publication of the Pharmaceutical Information Center, Mylan School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15221