Have you ever looked at your catheter supplies and wondered what all those symbols mean?

catheter symbols

Medical device symbols are standardized symbols regulated by the FDA that can be found on a variety of medical supplies, including catheters, that help convey important information to users, no matter what language.

Top 10 Most Common Medical Device Symbols for Catheters

single use symbol Single-use / Do not re-use
Indicates the catheter is intended for one use.
lot batch number symbol Lot / Batch Number
Indicates the manufacturer’s lot code so that the batch or lot can be identified.
REF symbol REF / Catalogue number
Indicates the manufacturer’s catalogue number (item number) so that the catheter can be identified. The item number can be used when reordering supplies.
use by symbol Use-by date
Indicates the date after which the catheter should not be used.
RX only symbol Prescription Use Only
Indicates the date after which the catheter should not be used.
DEHP free symbol Does not contain DEHP
Indicates the catheter that does not contain the phthalate plasticizers DEHP.
latex free symbol Not made with natural rubber latex
Indicates that neither the catheter nor its packaging contains the presence of natural rubber latex.
sterile EO symbol Sterilized by ethylene oxide treatment
Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using ethylene oxide.
damaged symbol Do not use if package is damaged
Indicates the product should not be used if the package has been damaged or opened.
consult instructions symbol Consult instructions for use
Indicates the need for the user to consult the instructions for use

If you have a question about a symbol on your catheter supplies, please feel free to contact us!

Download Entire Symbols Glossary