The role of labels in the modern medical industry

Clear, accurate, long-lasting, and easy-to-read labels are absolutely vital in the medical industry. Without proper labelling, medical personnel may not know which pharmaceutical products or medical devices to use in any given situation, or how best to use and store those products.

For these reasons, and many more, it's imperative for healthcare and medical organisations to work with trusted labelling providers, ensuring that all relevant products, from medications to devices, are correctly labelled in accordance with industry guidelines and regulations.

This guide will look at the key roles that medical labels have to play in the modern medical industry, examining some of the most common types of medical labels and looking ahead to the future of label innovation.

Types of labels used in the medical industry

There are many different labels in use in the medical field today. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common types, with descriptions of each variety and the kind of information it should typically convey.

Medical device labels

Medical device labels are those that are placed onto medical devices of all kinds, from IV pumps to blood pressure monitors. They typically provide information about the usage of the device, as well as directions or instructions on how to use it safely and correctly to avoid any injuries or accidents.

Imaging and radiology labels

Imaging and radiology labels are usually found in the scan or X-ray department of a clinic or hospital. These labels can be quite varied in their form and function. Some are warning labels, letting patients and personnel know about the risks of radiation exposure, while others may be affixed directly onto X-ray scans.

Laboratory labels 

Medical laboratories are where various patient samples can be analysed and tested, and it's crucial for the correct labels to be attached to any samples or specimens. Labels may also be needed to provide warnings and alerts in regard to biohazardous or contaminated materials.

Pharmacy labels  

As well as labs and hospitals, pharmacies also form part of the medical industry and require their own sets of labels. Pharmacy labels can be attached to drugs and medications, providing information about each drug's contents, ideal storage conditions, uses, and expiry dates, along with patient information for prescriptions.

Medical labels for patient charts

Hospital staff often make use of patient charts to keep track of a patient's progression as they undergo treatment. Labels can be helpful to attach to charts to provide updates or additional pieces of information regarding the patient's health, making it easier and more convenient for doctors and nurses to provide the appropriate treatment.

Labelling innovations in the medical industry

It’s clear to see that labels are vital for the proper functioning of any medical organisation or environment, from a lab to a hospital. In order to ensure that the highest standards of care and precision are met, many medical organisations are investing in exciting new labelling innovations that make medical labels even more powerful, informative, and efficient.

Smart labels 

One of the most exciting innovations in medical labelling is the development of smart labels. Just like other smart devices, smart labels are labels that incorporate new technologies, like RFID tags or NFC systems, which essentially allows the label to communicate or interact with connected devices, like phones and computers, via some kind of scan or signal. This allows a single label to convey much more information, without taking up more space.

Electronic labels

Electronic labels are another form of new labelling technology that is having an impact on the medical sector. As the name implies, electronic labels make use of electrical energy to display information on a screen, usually made of electronic paper (e-paper) or an LCD screen. The information on electronic labels can be adjusted as needed, effectively allowing the label to be re-written without the need to dispose of the old one and produce a new one.

Nanotechnology-based labels 

It's even possible to make use of nanotechnology-based labels in the medical sector. These labels can be imbued with the powers of nano-technology, which allows for vast amounts of information to be stored and conveyed in an incredibly small space. This could be useful for providing in-depth information about the provenance of a medical device or the full ingredients list of a medication, for example.

Polymer fusion technology

Polymer fusion technology is one of the most exciting innovations in sustainable labelling of recent years. This labelling method involves the use of specialised pigments that are utilised to create a kind of ink that can fuse permanently to certain types of plastics, effectively forming a truly permanent label that is part of the product itself. This technology is the ideal option for medical devices, as it creates labels that will never fade or wear away.

Future of labels in the medical industry 

The future-proof labelling technology is set to transform the modern medical industry including supply-chain management, cold-chain monitoring, track-and-trace compliance, and authentication. With the use of innovative technologies such as polymer fusion, and nanotechnology-based labelling among others, medical devices are traceable, and well-monitored, from the manufacturer, all the way through, to retailers, and even to the consumers. We can expect more medical organisations to make use of sustainable and long-lasting labelling solutions to uphold higher and more consistent standards of safety, both for their staff and their patients.

When it comes to medical device labels, clarity and quality are the two key aspects. These labels need to be very clear and easy for personnel to read and understand, and they need to be of sufficient quality to convey information for long periods of time, even when exposed to harsh chemicals or difficult conditions.

Consumer demand for safe and effective labelling

It’s not only medical personnel who can benefit from safe, effective medical labels. Consumers and patients are also expecting a higher level of label nowadays. Patients want to rest assured that they’re in the safest hands, and the demand for smart medical labelling is rising, all over the globe. The time is right, therefore, for medical businesses and organisations to take their labels to the next level.