Carrying factor and infusion kit through customs

Needles, syringes and drugs can arouse suspicion in today’s climate of anxiety about drug trafficking and terrorism. Someone travelling with clotting factor concentrates and infusion kits will need to demonstrate a legitimate medical reason for having them. Here are some ideas to help ease the passage through airport security and customs.

• Make sure any equipment, factor, and other medication being carried has the unmistakable appearance of a product from a reputable medical or pharmaceutical manufacturer. Keep items in their original packaging showing the manufacturer’s logo and name.
• Keep any paperwork linking the individual’s name with the product in an official way. Prescriptions and printed dispensing labels should all be kept and carried with the products.
• Always carry a letter on headed paper from a GP or haemophilia treatment centre explaining what the condition is, what treatment is being given, and why needles, syringes and bottles full of powder are needed.
• Telephone the airline in advance to see if it has any additional requirements.