I. Information Presentation: Maximize Clarity and Eliminate Ambiguity
The core purpose of a medical label is to convey critical information. Its design must prioritize legibility and accuracy to minimize human error.
Clear Information Hierarchy
Organize content by risk priority: place the highest-risk information (e.g., drug contraindications, sample type) in the most prominent location—typically the top or left side—with a font size 1–2 points larger than other text.
Example: For drug labels, highlight “Drug Name (generic + brand), Specification, Expiration Date, Batch Number.” For sample labels, emphasize “Patient Name, Sample ID, Collection Time, Test Item.” Avoid allowing secondary details (e.g., manufacturer address) to distract from key data.
Visual Error-Proofing Design
Use high-contrast color schemes: black text on a white background or white text on a black background for general information. Warnings or high-risk alerts (e.g., “TOXIC,” “KEEP REFRIGERATED”) should use red-on-white or black-on-yellow, covering at least one-fifth of the total label area to ensure visibility from a distance.
Avoid confusing characters and symbols—exclude “l” (lowercase L) and “O” (uppercase O) to prevent confusion with “1” and “0.” Use standardized medical symbols (e.g., “℃” for temperature instead of “degrees”).
Multilingual and Code Support
For multi-department or international facilities, include key information in English or another local language (e.g., “Allergy” corresponding to “过敏”), ensuring translation accuracy and one-to-one consistency with Chinese content.
Integrate machine-readable codes—such as electronic drug supervision codes for medications or QR/barcodes for samples—to enable digital verification and prevent manual entry errors.
II. Material Selection: Match Medical Environments and Prevent Damage or Contamination
Medical environments involve disinfection, refrigeration, and immersion. Label materials must provide durability and contamination resistance to ensure information integrity throughout their lifecycle.
Disinfection and Chemical Resistance
Prefer synthetic materials such as PET (polyester film) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which withstand repeated exposure to 75% alcohol and chlorine-based disinfectants without dissolving or deforming. Ideal for drug bottles and medical device surfaces.
Avoid regular paper, which absorbs liquids and tears easily; it may blur when exposed to blood or medication, and should only be used for disposable, non-contact outer packaging (e.g., drug boxes).
Temperature Resistance for Different Conditions
Cold-chain scenarios (e.g., vaccines, blood samples): use “low-temperature-resistant” materials that remain flexible and adhesive between -20°C and 8°C, preventing label detachment or sample confusion.
High-temperature scenarios (e.g., sterilized instruments): use “heat-resistant” materials that endure 121°C steam sterilization or 180°C dry heat sterilization while preserving legibility of text and barcodes.
Tamper-Evident Design
Use tamper-proof or fragile materials: the former resists tearing to prevent label replacement; the latter breaks upon removal, ensuring one-time use—ideal for high-risk drugs (e.g., narcotics) or patient wristbands.
III. Process Design: Physical Error Prevention and Workflow Adaptation
Through thoughtful process design, potential safety risks during labeling, usage, and storage can be reduced, ensuring alignment with high-frequency medical operations.
Adhesion and Stability: Prevent Peeling or Shifting
Use medical-grade pressure-sensitive adhesives to ensure secure attachment on curved (e.g., syringes, infusion bottles) or smooth surfaces (e.g., glass, plastic). Labels must remain fixed even under vibration (e.g., ambulance transport).
Sample tube labels should adopt a wrap-around structure covering over half the tube’s surface to prevent rotation from obscuring information, with a reserved non-adhesive grip area to avoid finger obstruction during application.
Shape and Size: Match Use Scenarios
Patient wristbands: design with adjustable locking clasps that prevent reopening after fastening, and offer multiple size options for adults, children, and newborns to ensure comfort and prevent detachment.
Small-dose containers (e.g., eye drops, syringes): reduce label size but keep font size no smaller than 5-point. Use wrap-around labels to maintain 360° readability and prevent loss of key information.
Anti-Slip and Easy-Grip Features
Rounded corners prevent injury to medical staff or patients, especially for frequently handled items such as infusion bags or blood collection labels.
Large labels (e.g., surgical instrument packs) can incorporate anti-slip textures or tear tabs for quick handling, reducing operation time and improving efficiency.
IV. Compliance: Align with Industry Standards to Avoid Risks
Medical label design must strictly adhere to national and industry regulations, ensuring every element has a compliance basis. Noncompliance may introduce safety hazards and legal risks.
