LAX security x-rays a cast, options?
Apr 27, 2010, 11:58 pm
#1
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Location: Capo Beach, California
Posts: 314
LAX security x-rays a cast, options?
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.
Apr 28, 2010, 12:10 am
#2
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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.
Apr 28, 2010, 12:11 am
#3
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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.
Tell them to go pound sand and to use ETD. They are not medical staff and have no business x-raying humans. EVER.
You should consider bringing charges against the miscreants who practiced medicine or performed radiology without a license.
Apr 28, 2010, 12:13 am
#4
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Do you know how ETD works? If there are explosives on the inside of a cast, ETD *will* (not might) alarm if one swabs the exterior and edges of the cast.
Apr 28, 2010, 12:46 am
#5
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Seriously... If using swabs would resolve the issue, why would they even buy the x-ray equipment?
(Heck, maybe he is hiding a 101 ml bottle of shampoo up there.)
Apr 28, 2010, 1:05 am
#6
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Apr 28, 2010, 5:50 am
#7
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Ionizing radiation, like x-rays, affect the dividing cells of your body: bone marrow (not to be confused with actual bone cells called osteocytes), GI tract, etc. Although your bone is currently dividing to repair its self in your arm, osteocytes are particularly resistant to radiation. That coupled with the fact that you have a cast over your arm, and the x-rays they use (I imagine) are no where near as powerful as medical x-rays, you really have nothing to worry about.
Also, on a side note x-rays pass through things. Therefore, there would be no such xray that only went through the cast and not your entire arm. How else would the photo paper/detector on the other end of the x-ray beam actually see anything? I understand your worries, but really you have nothing to worry about. I think you always have the option for a visual/physical inspection (like you do with film rolls or anything else you don't want xrayed). I think I'd go with the xray, the last thing I'd want is someone poking and picking at my cast, that I believe would be more dangerous than the x-rays.
Also, on a side note x-rays pass through things. Therefore, there would be no such xray that only went through the cast and not your entire arm. How else would the photo paper/detector on the other end of the x-ray beam actually see anything? I understand your worries, but really you have nothing to worry about. I think you always have the option for a visual/physical inspection (like you do with film rolls or anything else you don't want xrayed). I think I'd go with the xray, the last thing I'd want is someone poking and picking at my cast, that I believe would be more dangerous than the x-rays.
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.
Apr 28, 2010, 7:21 am
#8
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In all my times through LAX, I've never seen a specific device for xray of a cast.
I wouldn't let them do it. They're not medical professionals, and they can cause harm and long-term exposure issues. There have been a couple of cases where the TSA has x-rayed pets and babies - to great consternation of everyone.
I see no reason that they can't run a handheld metal detector along the cast and do an explosives trace to clear you.
Don't let this one go - I'd be howling loudly at the checkpoint, even to the point of leaving, flying from another airport, getting this in the press (along with some expert commentary on the damage it can cause), and visiting my congressional offices.
I wouldn't let them do it. They're not medical professionals, and they can cause harm and long-term exposure issues. There have been a couple of cases where the TSA has x-rayed pets and babies - to great consternation of everyone.
I see no reason that they can't run a handheld metal detector along the cast and do an explosives trace to clear you.
Don't let this one go - I'd be howling loudly at the checkpoint, even to the point of leaving, flying from another airport, getting this in the press (along with some expert commentary on the damage it can cause), and visiting my congressional offices.
Apr 28, 2010, 7:31 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Posts: 131
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/castscope.shtm
TSA has begun using the new CastScope screening system and will deploy CastScope to 11 airports in 2008. 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.
TSA piloted CastScope in 2007 at San Jose International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Nashville International Airport and Reagan National Airport. In the pilot phase, passengers with prosthetics, cast, or a brace participated on a voluntary basis.
TSA worked closely with special interest groups like the Amputee Coalition of America and others to determine best practices, operational suitability and modify the technology so that it best meets the needs of the traveling public.
CastScope provides security officers with a means to ensure that a cast or prosthetic does not contain a concealed threat while maintaining the dignity and privacy of the passenger.
To learn more about the CastScope, please see the frequently asked questions below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CastScope X-ray?
A: The CastScope uses backscatter technology to produce an X-ray image of casts, braces, heavy bandages, and/or prostheses, allowing TSA to quickly and non-invasively identify any potential threats.
Q: What is backscatter technology?
A: Backscatter scans a narrow, low-energy x-ray beam over the body surface. The reflection, or backscatter, of the beam is detected, digitized and displayed on a monitor. The high contrast image generated allows TSA to differentiate between articles such as braces, prosthetics, and external medical devices, and prohibited items.
Q: What is the purpose of the CastScope X-ray?
A: The CastScope was designed to supplement the walk-through and hand-held metal detectors for passengers with casts, braces, heavy bandages, or prosthetics that may alarm because of the metallic components of the devices by providing an X-ray image for TSA to assess concealed threats.
Q: How long does it take to be scanned by the CastScope?
A: Multiple scans will be necessary depending on type of device, location of device, size of device, and number of devices worn by the passenger. These factors will determine how long the scanning process will take, each scan takes approximately 3 seconds.
Q: What is the difference between backscatter x-rays and medical x-rays?
A: Backscatter x-rays only penetrate approximately ¼ of an inch before the rays are scattered, whereas medical X-rays transmit completely through the body. For comparison, the CastScope emits less than 10 microRem of radiation per scan and a typical medical X-ray emits 10,000 to 100,000 microRem per scan.
Q: How much radiation exposure is produced from 1 scan of the CastScope? Is it safe?
A: One scan is equivalent to approximately 10 microRem of radiation. This is equivalent to the exposure each person receives in about two minutes of airplane flight at altitude or each person receives every 15 minutes from naturally occurring background radiation.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed a standard for X-raying human subjects for security purposes using back-scatter X-ray technology. The National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) states that a person receiving 1000 microRem (100 scans) per year is still considered a negligible individual dose. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NCRP have advised that the CastScope is safe to use on anyone ages 5 and up regardless of gender or any medical condition.
Q: How is it verified that the CastScope X-ray is in compliance with safety standards?
A: The device was designed to comply with the ANSI/HPS N43-17 standard and recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. Both standards detail procedures for measuring the radiation emissions from the source (scanning head). Certified personnel check the radiation emissions periodically per the procedures outlined by the ANSI and NCRP standards and recommendations.
Q: Can the radiation exposure from the CastScope X-ray cause cancer?
A: Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation not exceeding those from the environment has not been shown to affect human health.
Q: Is screening using the CastScope intrusive?
A: Not at all. It is not necessary to raise or remove any article of clothing that may be covering the cast, brace, or prosthesis to image the area where the prosthetic, cast, or support brace are worn.
Q: Can the CastScope damage an advanced prosthetic (with integrated circuitry)?
A: No, the CastScope will not damage mature or state-of-the-art devices.
Q: Will CastScope screening damage implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or bone growth simulators?
A: No. The CastScope does not emit a magnetic field and will not cause any adverse medical consequences to implanted medical devices or any other disability-related equipment.
Q: Who manufactures the CastScope?
A: The CastScope was designed by Spectrum San Diego, Inc. located in San Diego, CA.
Q: Has TSA consulted with any passengers with disabilities or disability-related organizations during the development or fielding of this technology?
A: Yes. As with all aspects that affect the disability population, TSA continues to work with its Disability Coalition of over 73 disability-related groups and organizations to ensure the CastScope integrates the needs of persons with disabilities. TSA has extended outreach efforts to include: preoperational studies by National Safe Skies Alliance and the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), an ACA demonstration in Minneapolis, and a pilot demonstration in Reno in coordination with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Conference.
TSA has begun using the new CastScope screening system and will deploy CastScope to 11 airports in 2008. 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.
TSA piloted CastScope in 2007 at San Jose International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Nashville International Airport and Reagan National Airport. In the pilot phase, passengers with prosthetics, cast, or a brace participated on a voluntary basis.
TSA worked closely with special interest groups like the Amputee Coalition of America and others to determine best practices, operational suitability and modify the technology so that it best meets the needs of the traveling public.
CastScope provides security officers with a means to ensure that a cast or prosthetic does not contain a concealed threat while maintaining the dignity and privacy of the passenger.
To learn more about the CastScope, please see the frequently asked questions below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CastScope X-ray?
A: The CastScope uses backscatter technology to produce an X-ray image of casts, braces, heavy bandages, and/or prostheses, allowing TSA to quickly and non-invasively identify any potential threats.
Q: What is backscatter technology?
A: Backscatter scans a narrow, low-energy x-ray beam over the body surface. The reflection, or backscatter, of the beam is detected, digitized and displayed on a monitor. The high contrast image generated allows TSA to differentiate between articles such as braces, prosthetics, and external medical devices, and prohibited items.
Q: What is the purpose of the CastScope X-ray?
A: The CastScope was designed to supplement the walk-through and hand-held metal detectors for passengers with casts, braces, heavy bandages, or prosthetics that may alarm because of the metallic components of the devices by providing an X-ray image for TSA to assess concealed threats.
Q: How long does it take to be scanned by the CastScope?
A: Multiple scans will be necessary depending on type of device, location of device, size of device, and number of devices worn by the passenger. These factors will determine how long the scanning process will take, each scan takes approximately 3 seconds.
Q: What is the difference between backscatter x-rays and medical x-rays?
A: Backscatter x-rays only penetrate approximately ¼ of an inch before the rays are scattered, whereas medical X-rays transmit completely through the body. For comparison, the CastScope emits less than 10 microRem of radiation per scan and a typical medical X-ray emits 10,000 to 100,000 microRem per scan.
Q: How much radiation exposure is produced from 1 scan of the CastScope? Is it safe?
A: One scan is equivalent to approximately 10 microRem of radiation. This is equivalent to the exposure each person receives in about two minutes of airplane flight at altitude or each person receives every 15 minutes from naturally occurring background radiation.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed a standard for X-raying human subjects for security purposes using back-scatter X-ray technology. The National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) states that a person receiving 1000 microRem (100 scans) per year is still considered a negligible individual dose. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NCRP have advised that the CastScope is safe to use on anyone ages 5 and up regardless of gender or any medical condition.
Q: How is it verified that the CastScope X-ray is in compliance with safety standards?
A: The device was designed to comply with the ANSI/HPS N43-17 standard and recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. Both standards detail procedures for measuring the radiation emissions from the source (scanning head). Certified personnel check the radiation emissions periodically per the procedures outlined by the ANSI and NCRP standards and recommendations.
Q: Can the radiation exposure from the CastScope X-ray cause cancer?
A: Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation not exceeding those from the environment has not been shown to affect human health.
Q: Is screening using the CastScope intrusive?
A: Not at all. It is not necessary to raise or remove any article of clothing that may be covering the cast, brace, or prosthesis to image the area where the prosthetic, cast, or support brace are worn.
Q: Can the CastScope damage an advanced prosthetic (with integrated circuitry)?
A: No, the CastScope will not damage mature or state-of-the-art devices.
Q: Will CastScope screening damage implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or bone growth simulators?
A: No. The CastScope does not emit a magnetic field and will not cause any adverse medical consequences to implanted medical devices or any other disability-related equipment.
Q: Who manufactures the CastScope?
A: The CastScope was designed by Spectrum San Diego, Inc. located in San Diego, CA.
Q: Has TSA consulted with any passengers with disabilities or disability-related organizations during the development or fielding of this technology?
A: Yes. As with all aspects that affect the disability population, TSA continues to work with its Disability Coalition of over 73 disability-related groups and organizations to ensure the CastScope integrates the needs of persons with disabilities. TSA has extended outreach efforts to include: preoperational studies by National Safe Skies Alliance and the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), an ACA demonstration in Minneapolis, and a pilot demonstration in Reno in coordination with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Conference.
Apr 28, 2010, 7:53 am
#10
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OMG, if your cast is on your arm, don't let these employees who have *not* been to radiology or medical school x-ray your arm.
Tell them to go pound sand and to use ETD. They are not medical staff and have no business x-raying humans. EVER.
You should consider bringing charges against the miscreants who practiced medicine or performed radiology without a license.
Tell them to go pound sand and to use ETD. They are not medical staff and have no business x-raying humans. EVER.
You should consider bringing charges against the miscreants who practiced medicine or performed radiology without a license.
Apr 28, 2010, 8:01 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
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.
Apr 28, 2010, 8:14 am
#12
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As to the class action law suits by TSOs in around 20 years for damage due to excessive on the job exposure to ionizing radiation? Well, they were warned by travelers that daily exposure to on the job x-ray exposure wasn't good for them and they chose to ignore those travelers.
Apr 28, 2010, 8:20 am
#13
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/castscope.shtm
TSA has begun using the new CastScope screening system and will deploy CastScope to 11 airports in 2008. 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.
TSA has begun using the new CastScope screening system and will deploy CastScope to 11 airports in 2008. 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.
Last edited by Cholula; Apr 28, 2010 at 10:16 am Reason: Reduced quote for readibilty
Apr 28, 2010, 8:22 am
#14
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Please note this:
the OP doesn't sound like it was voluntary. And the TSA site section on disabilities does not mention the use of X-ray for casts.
In the pilot phase, passengers with prosthetics, cast, or a brace participated on a voluntary basis.
Apr 28, 2010, 8:23 am
#15
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
Ionizing radiation, like x-rays, affect the dividing cells of your body: bone marrow (not to be confused with actual bone cells called osteocytes), GI tract, etc. Although your bone is currently dividing to repair its self in your arm, osteocytes are particularly resistant to radiation. That coupled with the fact that you have a cast over your arm, and the x-rays they use (I imagine) are no where near as powerful as medical x-rays, you really have nothing to worry about.
Also, on a side note x-rays pass through things. Therefore, there would be no such xray that only went through the cast and not your entire arm. How else would the photo paper/detector on the other end of the x-ray beam actually see anything? I understand your worries, but really you have nothing to worry about. I think you always have the option for a visual/physical inspection (like you do with film rolls or anything else you don't want xrayed). I think I'd go with the xray, the last thing I'd want is someone poking and picking at my cast, that I believe would be more dangerous than the x-rays.
Also, on a side note x-rays pass through things. Therefore, there would be no such xray that only went through the cast and not your entire arm. How else would the photo paper/detector on the other end of the x-ray beam actually see anything? I understand your worries, but really you have nothing to worry about. I think you always have the option for a visual/physical inspection (like you do with film rolls or anything else you don't want xrayed). I think I'd go with the xray, the last thing I'd want is someone poking and picking at my cast, that I believe would be more dangerous than the x-rays.