[ RadSafe ] Insulin Pumps and X-rays

[Dewolfe, James]

Multiple manufacturers of insulin pumps used by diabetics warn not to expose the pump to x-rays, including diagnostic x-rays and CTs. One manufacturer warns not to wear them during nuclear medicine exams. They warn to keep them out of the same room as an x-ray machine (even dental units), so this is not a warning about the impact on image quality. Does anyone understand how these devices could be so sensitive to small amounts of radiation? I was asked about this today by a radiology technologist, and I was unable to answer his question. I am skeptical that these pumps could be that sensitive and still function in the real world with fluctuating background radiation.

James DeWolfe | Health Physicist | Children's Hospital Colorado
13123 East 16th Avenue, Box B125  |  Aurora, CO 80045

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