Glucose Meter Question

[bengeneric]

My wife needs to take a glucose meter with us when we go on Friday. Has anyone had any issues taking these in a carry-on? We aren't checking bags, so that isn't an option. Hints, suggestions, experiences? Thanks.

 

[Vijoge]

There are no issues with taking a glucose meter on a plane in your carry-on luggage. Have a great trip.

 

[honugirl]

They see glucose meters all the time. I travel with mine in my carry on all the time. No problems.

 

[PatsMom]

Just put the case you normally carry your glucometer in inside your carry on bag - there are no issues with the lancing devices used to draw the blood. I carry mine in the same bag as the rest of my medications so that if anyone wants to question it they also have my insulin and syringes in the same spot. I've never been questioned about that or the small soft sided cooler (with ice in it) that I use to carry any unopened insulin that requires refrigeration. I'm afraid diabetics are old hat to the TSA by now and they are just used to the paraphernalia we fly with!

 

[docgrumpy]

My wife got stopped for her Epipen, and it was confiscated. They said that it needed a prescription on it that had her name. Now, we live in a small town, and I was the physician who prescribed it, so they called the pharmacy to verify. The agent stated that he was new, and that in his training, he was told that all syringes, needles, etc needed to have a pharmacy label on it. We make certain we always have it when we travel. It can be very much agent-dependent.

 

[SueM in MN]

My wife got stopped for her Epipen, and it was confiscated. They said that it needed a prescription on it that had her name. Now, we live in a small town, and I was the physician who prescribed it, so they called the pharmacy to verify. The agent stated that he was new, and that in his training, he was told that all syringes, needles, etc needed to have a pharmacy label on it. We make certain we always have it when we travel. It can be very much agent-dependent.

According to what is on the TSA website about medications, that agent's training appears to be wrong.
On the website, it says "We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."
And, that part of the webpage is talking about medications including pre-loaded syringes.

 

[docgrumpy]

According to what is on the TSA website about medications, that agent's training appears to be wrong.
On the website, it says "We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to assist with the screening process."
And, that part of the webpage is talking about medications including pre-loaded syringes.

Hi, Sue.

Hope you sre well.

I had familiarized myself with the guidelines, as we travel alot. The quoted section is really open-ended and subject to interpretation. If they do not require it, why even mention that it is recommended? We have almost always been asked for the pharm script if it is on the box and not on the physical syringe. I would hate for anyone to have to fly leaving their meds behind, or worse yet, being denied boarding for arguing a point (no pun intended!) with an agent. Better safe than sorry.

Be well.

Jeff

 

[JoJo's Mom]

I have always carried my monitor/syringes and insulin with me and never had a problem. However, I always made sure I had the prescription/label on them too. I always thought it was weird that they never questioned the syringes when it went through the xray machine!

 

[mechurchlady]

The meter will be fine if tucked in roll on case however smaller packages can get smooshed if people see there is space in the over head compartment. I lost a coffee cup recently to smooshers. Good luck on you trip.