Do airport body scanners ruin CGM sensors?

Hey Sarah, this is such a common anxiety for new Continuous Glucose Monitor users! The short answer is: in the vast majority of real-world cases, no, they do not.

If you read the manufacturer’s manual for devices like the Dexcom or Freestyle Libre, they officially recommend against sending your CGM through the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners or the luggage X-ray machines. This isn't necessarily because the machines are guaranteed to fry your device, but rather because the manufacturers haven't done the incredibly expensive, rigorous testing required to officially guarantee their safety under those specific scanners.

However, ask almost any veteran diabetic who travels frequently, and they will tell you they walk right through the standard TSA millimeter-wave body scanners (the ones where you hold your hands above your head) with their CGM attached all the time without any issues, data loss, or accuracy drops. The energy level emitted by these scanners is extremely low and generally doesn't impact the tiny electronics inside your sensor.

That said, you always have the right to opt-out. If you don't want to risk it, simply tell the TSA agent before you step in that you are wearing a medical device and request a manual pat-down. They see these monitors every single day and are completely used to the protocol. For extra peace of mind, keep any spare, unattached sensors in your carry-on bag and ask the agent to hand-check them so they don't have to go through the luggage X-ray belt!