When it comes to medical labeling, there are some specific points to consider relating to today’s more stringent regulatory environment ensuring health and safety remains paramount. To meet standards and also reduce liability exposure, here are five key things to remember when producing medical labeling:
- Label Integrity: One of the most important factors to consider is how well the label will maintain its quality, stay in place, and remain readable. The label must withstand production, handling, and distribution. All instructions or data, including patient name and I.D. number, must remain visible and legible so that there are no mistakes or mix-ups with the consumer that could create a dangerous situation. It is important to use a label type that will go the distance and sustain that integrity at all costs.
- Storage Environment: Environments in the medical industry can be harsh at times with extreme temperature changes, chemicals, and even bodily fluids that could diminish the label’s quality. The label needs to be maintained in a way that keeps it in readable condition, including key information like a control number, expiration or manufacturing date, and instructions on how to use the medication or where the lab sample needs to go. Labels also need to be durable and perform in any environment that they are utilized.
- Container Type: Selecting the appropriate medical labeling process also requires thinking about what type of container it will be adhered to, such as a plastic or glass vial, prescription bottle, or even a plastic bag. This determines the type of label as well as other factors like size and even number of labels that have to be placed on a medical container. This calls for labeling equipment that is flexible and offers many choices to suit different container variables.
- Changes: Very often, labels have to be changed because of regulatory requirements that come into play, so planning needs to involve the possibility that a label may have to be redesigned or new information added going forward. There must be a system put in place to determine how these changes will be implemented, and the equipment utilized must be flexible enough to adapt to these changes.
- Re-labeling: There are times when medical containers may need to be re-labeled or changed with updated or corrected information. Labels will then need to have the capability to be lifted and reapplied or easily removed to be replaced with another label with new information. This is where the label materials and the equipment that can deliver on this need is a key consideration.
In Summary Here are some points to remember when considering what is important with medical labeling:
- Label integrity and storage environment are integral in making sure that the correct medical information and supplies are shared.
- The container type is important as it requires that a company be able to find label solutions that meet every size and scope.
- There are times when labels may also need to be reapplied or have a new one adhered to a medical container.