Medical Device Label Symbols: LOT, REF, Use-by, and Manufacturer

A label symbol identifies the meaning of nearby information; it does not supply that information by itself. Pair the artwork with the correct value, preserve its proportions, and check it alongside the barcode and product data.

ISO 15223-1 addresses symbols used with manufacturer-supplied medical-device information. It is not a ready-made list of everything that every device label must contain.

Four common meanings

• LOT / batch code: identifies the batch or lot value associated with the device.
• REF / catalogue number: identifies a catalogue reference. It is not automatically a GTIN or a serial number.
• Use-by date: indicates the date after which the device should not be used.
• Manufacturer: identifies the manufacturer information associated with the device.

Use the appropriate symbol record and applicable instructions rather than redrawing an approximate icon. A manufacture date and a use-by date have different meanings even when the adjacent values share the same date format.

Plan a small example label

Imagine a training layout for a fictional product with catalogue reference DEMO-REF-2048, lot DEMOLOT7, and use-by date 2027-12-31. Add a separate area for the manufacturer's approved name and address.

Keep each value visually attached to its own symbol. A LOT marker placed midway between a catalogue number and a lot may be ambiguous, even if every value is technically present. Use grouping and spacing to make the association clear.

The readable use-by value and the corresponding GS1 AI (17) encode the same date differently in this example: 2027-12-31 beside the symbol and 271231 in the GS1 field. Compare the meaning, not just the number of characters. Required readable date presentation depends on the applicable rules.

Avoid a split source of truth

A manually typed LOT caption can remain unchanged after the barcode lot is edited. Keep an explicit review step for symbol values, barcode fields, and human-readable interpretation.

For the training layout, check:

1. Does LOT show DEMOLOT7 everywhere it appears?
2. Does REF show the catalogue reference rather than an unrelated identifier?
3. Does the use-by statement agree with the encoded expiry?
4. Does the manufacturer information come from the approved product record?
5. Do the artwork and text remain legible on the actual label?

Assemble and review in UDImaker

Open the UDI label designer, choose suitable artwork from the symbol library, and position accompanying values. Allow enough space between symbol groups and keep all of them outside the barcode quiet zone.

Review the actual printed layout and use the UDI field guide to distinguish product identification from production data. The symbol library is an artwork resource; selecting an icon does not determine its applicability or establish medical-device compliance.