silly question re: programmable shunt and flying

[Ziggy]

The scanners in the airport (both the new ones and the older ones) wouldn't affect M's shunt would they? It's one of the magnetic/programmable ones.

[cadon's mum]

Yes they would!! If you have a programmable shunt you need to steer clear from the scanners if you take the necessary paperwork showing that your little one has a programmable shunt she won't have to go through them.

[Ziggy]

really? Our NS's office just called back and say they were fine?

[Dodger67]

They won't affect it. The magnetic fields in airport scanners are far too weak to move the valve mechanism. It requires a very strong magnetic field to do that.
See http://www.mrisafety.com/safety_article.asp?subject=175

[Ziggy]

Yes they would!! If you have a programmable shunt you need to steer clear from the scanners if you take the necessary paperwork showing that your little one has a programmable shunt she won't have to go through them.

If it was before August, I wouldn't have any problem asking for alternative screening, but starting in August, if you refuse the scanners, you get a full body groping session courtesy of the TSA. Even small children aren't immune, and it's NOT something I want to have any of us go through if we can avoid it...

[excitedmom]

Very glad to read that it doesn't bother them because I just took my daughter through a metal detector at the courthouse completely forgetting bout her shunt until the detecter went off.. then I was very worried. I called her NS but haven't received a call back yet.

[LillyPie]

I have this same concern, we will be taking a flight in 2 weeks. I may place a call to the NS too. Just to be safe.

[LisaJoy]

The TSA maintains that the new full body scanners (Advanced Imaging Technology) are safe for all passengers including those with medical devices.

http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/safety.shtm

However, they also say:

"# If your Doctor has indicated that you should not go through the metal detector or be handwanded because it could affect the functionality of your device or the magnetic calibration of your device, or if you are concerned, ask the Security Officer for a pat-down inspection instead."

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#1

So I would ask your neurosurgeon.

[cadon's mum]

Cadon does not have a programmable shunt but we know a few children that do, they have all been advised by their Neuro to avoid the scanners in the airport because of this and like lisa joy have just requested a 'pat down' from security.

[Dodger67]

I should have been more specific.
The walk-through scanners' magnetic fields are too weak to affect a shunt but the handheld scanners can be a problem as they are held very close to the body.
The field strength needed to move a shunt valve is at least 80 milliTesla which is about double the strength of the field on the surface of an average fridge magnet.