Originally Posted by greentips

Assuming California is ahead of the curve, which they usually are on such things, this is likely true there as well. Next, in each of these states, one is not allowed to operate an x-ray machine for the purpose of x-raying humans unless a written directive (prescription) has been provided by a licensed physician. Second, the operator of such machines must be trained, usually meaning holding at least an Associate degree and unless under direct supervision, holding a certificate in diagnostic or therapeutic radiology (AART). Further, at least in states I'm familiar with, each operator may not use them until they are registered and a detailed Radiation Safety Plan is in place, with a designated Radiation Safety Officer.

Originally Posted by wannagotoo

THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION!!
First, being that I had already done this a few weeks before, I asked for a swab since that is how the other airports handle it. It would not be allowed since they have the cast machine.
Second, when she said that it could only xray the cast, I showed her the bones in my hand and asked why it was peneterating that deep. For the parts of my arm that weren't covered by the cast you could DEFINITELY see the individual bones in my hand.


If someone was concerned about something being inside the fiberglass cast, there are parts of the cast that are more than 1/2 inch deep so the machine would not detect it? Also, I go through the metal detector with no beep. What more could I be hiding in a cast 7 inches long that someone couldn't hide in their pants pocket? It seemed to be one of those situations that if I wanted to get on the plane, I have to do the 4 x-rays.
Thanks again for all the responses. I will be following up with the recommendations you had. It seems the only safe solution is to get the cast off before the next LAX flight or change to a different airport.

Originally Posted by davidinnorcal

This was from their public affairs office.

I also asked them if I refuse Cast Scope, can they require me to complete the scanning, in much the way they can require you to complete scanning if you decide you don't want them to touch your "junk" midway through the procedure. They did not seem to know but confirmed that Cast Scope is NOT optional.

Cast Scope according to TSA's website requires 4 images to be taken, Popular Mechanics reports it's 10 on average if you *don't* have a mechanical knee --more if you do (yikes).

I asked TSA's public affairs if I felt the number of xrays they were taking was excessive (say more than 10 when I their website says four) could I stop the screening and exit the airport. They did not know the answer to that.

They are using these machines on 6 year old kids (or at least their website says they are "safe" on anyone over age 5.

Originally Posted by businessclass

http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/castscope.shtm

... CastScope deployment to airports will be based on the airport�s proximity to military hospitals or large rehabilitation facilities that serve amputees, sports events for disability groups, vacation destinations utilized by amputees and in airports that see large volumes of military severely injured.

The airports selected for the technology are San Antonio, Denver, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Washington-Dulles, Reagan National, Orlando, John. F. Kennedy, Los Angeles, Baltimore-Washington, and Phoenix. Among them they will receive 34 CastScope machines.

Originally Posted by Dianne47

I am not often left speechless and totally flabbergasted, but this information makes my blood boil. These x-ray machines are making specific targets of severely injured military members, most of whom owe their injuries to serving our nation. It makes me want to tear my hair out.

Originally Posted by wannagotoo

Unfortunately I have a broken arm. The two times I flew out of LAX (not OGG, LAS, SNA, etc) they had to x-ray the cast. They take 4 "pictures" to view all sides of the cast. The x-ray is strong enough to see the bones. I asked the TSA agent why only LAX, she said that any airport that has the machine has to use it. I asked her how safe it was, she said it can only x-ray the cast. When I showed her the bones in the x-ray, she just smiled. How can I find out if this is dangerous and if I have the right to ask for a swab (as in the other airports) instead of the x-ray? I know this isn't a common question but when you never know when you too could trip over luggage on a German train and break your arm. Thanks for any information.

Originally Posted by saizai

greentips - Kudos for being an actually informed radiologist willing to comment. (Also, for using the term "/dev/null".)

OP - Tell all medical/radiology regulatory agencies, like greentips said. It's a serious population health violation.

Originally Posted by Trollkiller

If this is producing enough x-ray to see bone after going through the cast, skin, and muscle it is penetrating more than 1/4 inch.

Originally Posted by wannagotoo

Unfortunately I have a broken arm. The two times I flew out of LAX (not OGG, LAS, SNA, etc) they had to x-ray the cast. They take 4 "pictures" to view all sides of the cast. The x-ray is strong enough to see the bones. I asked the TSA agent why only LAX, she said that any airport that has the machine has to use it. I asked her how safe it was, she said it can only x-ray the cast. When I showed her the bones in the x-ray, she just smiled. How can I find out if this is dangerous and if I have the right to ask for a swab (as in the other airports) instead of the x-ray? I know this isn't a common question but when you never know when you too could trip over luggage on a German train and break your arm. Thanks for any information.

Originally Posted by eyecue

This is a CPI machine and it uses backscatter x-ray just like the ones that take the whole image of you. If they have the machine they are required to use it. If you refuse you dont get to continue to your gate.