Coagchek Machine and Flying

[chelb29]

So I am off flying this week despite my reservations and anxiety about it all.

I know my coagchek machine needs to be in hold luggage (was going to do that anyway) but it it safe for it to go through the X-ray machines at the airport? Will it damage it/make readings inaccurate at all??

I have my clexane cover and GP letter.

Sorry think the reality of it all is setting in now and the anxiety has started. 🙄

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, hopefully your anxiety will be calmed by useful answers you receive on here, however my reply is not terribly useful as I am not sure about the xray machines, so will let you be answered by those who own machines who travel, I shall read the replies myself. Best wishes to you. MaryF

[MaryF Administrator]

Great to know that! MaryF

[chelb29 in reply to MaryF]

Thank you both, I did mean hand not hold! Glad it will be ok through the machine! What with my machine, clexane, sharps bin and my meds and my sons meds my hand luggage is basically full!

[MaryF Administrator in reply to chelb29]

Have a great trip. MaryF

[tim47]

Support APSnotFAB's comment entirely.

Regularly take my coag machine on flights. ALWAYS in hand luggage, never had the slightest problem. I never let it out of my sight and frankly I doubt anyone from travel side would argue otherwise.

I also carry heparin in injection form, paid £25 for a doctors letter- never been asked for it, and the syringes have never been checked!

You should have no trouble and you can be confident that no harm will come to it if it stays in your possession bar passing through XRay. No probs with test strips either. (Do make sure they are in date though, I didn't once and had to juggle with machines date!)

KaLl diakopes (HAPPY HOLIDAYS)

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

Note: strips are temperature sensitive- just another reason they can’t go underbelly of plane.

[stillwaiting]

My advice same as Tim but I would add take spare batteries. My batteries ran out once, it was hard to find somewhere selling batteries!!! It's natural to feel anxious I just tell myself that I am the most coagulated person on the plane, so safe as can be. Remember to keep moving your legs, ankles, feet whilst you're sitting. Have a lovely time😊

[chelb29]

Thank you everyone for your replies and encouragement xx

[WendyWoo50]

It may be worth asking the airline if ur allowed additional hand luggage for medical provisions. I thought that separate allowances are made for essential medical supplies.

My son had food allergies and we had to take loads of stuff in a cool bag with us. It was separate to our luggage allowance.

Worth a call.

Where r u going on holiday? X

[KellyInTexas Administrator in reply to WendyWoo50]

That’s great to know!

[Wittycjt in reply to WendyWoo50]

Please let us know the response, I never thought of this and always just try to pack carry on with no addl luggage so I could def use the extra space, thanks

[bernieembleton]

Hi i never put mine in the hold, just get a list of your medication and indicate to airport staff you are taking your equipment on board. Mine has gone through the xray machines a few times, i take the batteries out until you arrive at your destination. A diabetic would not put thier BM machine in the hold, as they may need to check thier sugar levels. The same with coag machinesm as you might need to check you INR's enroute. I have nit had a problem, as long as you inform the airline you are flying with. Best wishes

[Wittycjt]

Have a wonderful trip, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!