Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro at self-cathing, you likely handle a catheter package on a regular basis. At some point, you may have looked at your catheter supplies’ packaging to find symbols and numbers.

Do all those unrecognizable symbols on your catheter package make you feel like you’re in the dark? Take a look at our helpful catheter package symbols guide below.

	The symbol for “Do not reuse.” Single or sterile use only.
	Manufacturer’s lot number or batch code. The symbol will be right next to a set of numbers indicating the number of the batch in which this particular supply was produced.
	Indicates the product’s reference or item number. Your 180 Medical specialist may ask you to find this number to determine what item you have on hand.
	Manufacturer. This picture will be next to the name and address of the manufacturer.
	Date of manufacture. Next to this symbol, you will see a date with 4 digits indicating the year and 2 following digits indicating the month that this product was produced/manufactured in (YYYY-MM).
	Use By. Next to this small hourglass symbol, you will see the expiration date with 4 digits indicating the year and 2 following digits indicating the month (YYYY-MM).
	By prescription only. U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale on the order of a physician only.
	The EO indicates a method of sterilization by Ethylene Oxide.
	The R after “Sterile” indicates a method of sterilization using irradiation.
	The thermometer icon indicates a method of sterilization using dry heat or steam.
	Not sterilized or non-sterile. You may see this on products such as non-sterile gloves.
	Instructions are available to read or consult.

Source for regulated symbols: www.fda.gov

Depending upon the brand and type of catheter you have, your catheter supplies packaging will vary in color, size, length, and shape. But you can always depend on knowing that the symbols are there because they are regulated by the FDA.

Directions for Sterile Catheter Use