Airport security checkpoints have become an extremely important aspect of our national security. Ever since the attacks of 9/11 there has been an increased level of security throughout all the airports of the world. Although there has been a marked decrease in the number of security breaches as a result of this, however there also has been some other unwanted consequences that have affected many travelers. One of the most common issues that has come up in the past few years has actually been issues related to going through security checkpoints with the use of a medical device known as a pulse oximeter. For those that are not aware of what a
pulse oximeter is well I will quickly review its function and use. Essentially this is a medical device that is used by millions of individuals throughout the country for the purpose of measuring an individual’s pulse rate as well as oxygen levels with accuracy and ease. Because the device is made to be smaller than the size of a cell phone it is highly portable and can be taken anywhere the person desires to go. As a result, many individuals take it with them when they fly in order to monitor their vital signs. What has occurred in the past few years has been the fact that because the pulse
oximeter is very portable individuals have been trying to take them with them on the airplane. However, due to the security checkpoints in all airports the device has not been able to pass through inspection due to the fact that it sets off the metal detectors. This has actually posed an issue to so many people with various health conditions because they depend on the device on a daily basis to monitor their vital signs. In response, airport security personnel have now been educated about such medical devices and are now trained to spot them and allow them to pass easily through the checkpoint. Typically a good practice is to actually put your device through the metal detector very similar to how you would handle a cell phone. When you do this, the personnel will be able to identify the product and thus allow you to freely go through with it to be used on the plane or to be utilized at your final destination. This concern affects not just pulse oximeter devices but all types of medical products.
