Have you ever looked at the packaging on your catheter or other medical supplies and wondered about the symbols printed on them? While it may be easy to overlook these small graphics, they convey important information about your catheter product’s use, storage, and disposal. Let’s take a closer look at the common symbols you may find on catheter packages and other medical supplies. Plus, we’ll go over what those symbols mean for you as a catheter user.
Take a look at our helpful catheter package symbols guide below.
Common Symbols on Catheter Packages
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The symbol for “Do not reuse.” Single or sterile use only. |
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Manufacturer’s lot number or batch code. The symbol will be right next to a set of numbers indicating the batch number in which this particular supply was produced. |
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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. |
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Manufacturer. This picture will appear next to the manufacturer’s name and address. |
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Date of manufacture. Next to this symbol, you will see a 4-digit date indicating the year and 2 following digits indicating the month this product was produced or manufactured (YYYY-MM). |
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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). |
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By prescription only. U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale only on the order of a physician. |
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The EO indicates a method of sterilization by Ethylene Oxide. |
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The R after “Sterile” indicates a method of sterilization using irradiation. |
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The thermometer icon indicates a method of sterilization using dry heat or steam. |
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Not sterilized or non-sterile. You may see this on products such as non-sterile gloves. |
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Indicates that the manufacturer’s product instructions are available. |
Source for regulated symbols: www.fda.gov
Depending upon the brand and type of catheter you have, your catheter supplies packaging may 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
As always, if you ever have a question about this or anything else regarding catheter products, insurance coverage for catheters, or getting started with 180 Medical, please feel free to give us a call!
