Bad Orthopedic Travel Advice
Thursday September 25, 2008
I read a column on the Internet today advocating patients with implanted metal bring x-rays to the airport to assist the TSA in screening. My opinion: Dumb idea.
Many patients with implanted metal will set off airport metal detectors. Implants including plates, screws, rods, and joint replacements can all set off airport metal detectors. However, the TSA is staffed by security specialists, not doctors. Taking x-rays to the security personnel is a waste of your time and effort. Here are the problems:
- Identity Issues
Security personnel cannot (and should not) assume that an x-ray belongs to the person holding it. If that were the case, anyone could simply bring an x-ray of a metal implant as their reason for setting off the metal detector. - Hospital Records
X-rays are part of your hospital record, and removing them makes your record less complete. If those x-rays get lost on your trip it could affect your medical care down the road. Sometimes having previous x-rays for comparisons is essential, especially when dealing with implants. - Cost
Every time an x-ray is taken, and printed, medical costs go up. If patients are constantly getting extra x-rays taken and printed for travel purposes, this wastes medical resources.
Related: Do metal implants cause metal detectors to go off? | TSA Recommendations
Photo courtesy of Rayman/Getty Images
Comments
Of your 3 observations about TSA and xrays only the first one is valid and insightful. As for 2 and 3, xrays can be copied by the xray dept. and the traveler can pay for it. Chalk it up to one more travel expense.