Expert: Roberto Gomes - 6/29/2005

Question
Hi Roberto
I am travelling to a hospital in Peru in just over a week and was wondering whether I could bring a sphygmomanometer with me to the hospital.  It is an instrument for measuring blood pressure.  I would be bringing a mercury filled sphygomomanometer as these are no longer used in UK hospitals.  With the changes in pressure experienced during air travel would the sphygmo burst in my bag?...if its filled with mercury that wouldn't be good!  I would appreciate your advice!
thanks
Sarah

Answer
Dear Sarah,

Improperly packaged mercury-filled barometers and thermometers are considered hazardous materials and must be cleared by the airlines involved in you itinerary to determine if they can be carried on board, on checked-baggage or be shipped by cargo.

Since some airlines may see that your sphygomomanometer can not pose as a threat, others won't. The best way to determine it is to call the airline, describe it and when checking in, repeat the same concerns.

Also depending on the year built, your sphygomomanometer can burst in your bag.

Please let me know the results.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes