ASTM F2401-04

This practice is intended to be used as a guide for the design, configuration, and operation of security checkpoints to minimize exposure of ambulatory medical devices to the electromagnetic fields emitted by metal detector security systems. Guidance is presented for signage and information to help identify persons with ambulatory medical devices and process them through the security checkpoint.

This practice is intended to help in the training of checkpoint screeners to address the concerns of persons with ambulatory medical devices and to respond to their needs.

This practice is intended to aid the medical community in advising medical device users who may be affected to identify themselves at security checkpoints so their concerns may be addressed.

This practice is intended to aid medical device manufacturers to provide consistent information for medical device users, patients, and checkpoint screeners.

1.1 The following practice is intended to address the needs and concerns of persons with implanted, active, medical devices or active ambulatory medical devices, as well as passive implanted medical devices, while maintaining the integrity of the security checkpoint.

1.2 Active and passive implanted medical devices are being used at an increasing rate as a means to prolong and improve quality of life. Although these medical devices are typically designed to operate in the electromagnetic environment experienced in daily life, there is a potential for the disruption of active medical device function when exposed to certain electromagnetic fields emitted by commonly encountered electrically powered products, including handheld and walk-through metal detectors used in security checkpoint screening. In addition, some active or passive implanted devices may trigger the unintended alarm of the metal detector.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values shown in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.