Tubing Marker

Abstract

An invisible tube marker for use in an infusion set is provided. The infusion tube includes a tube marker that is invisible under standard lighting conditions and is positioned from the end of the tube at a distance equal to the distance between the outer edge of the fluid port and the hard stop of the infusion set component. Under special lighting, the tube marker becomes visible, providing an external visual indicator of fit between the infusion tube and the infusion set component, such as whether a gap exists between the end of the infusion tube and the hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker can be pad-printed onto the tube. Also provided is a method of providing the tube marker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable. [Background technology]

[0002] Infusion sets or intravenous (IV) sets are constructed by joining multiple translucent polymer tubing segments to multiple polymer components that are either translucent or opaque. The joint is typically formed by applying a thin layer of solvent or adhesive to one or both of the contact surfaces and then bringing the two surfaces together. The contact surfaces of the tubing can be on either the inner diameter, the outer diameter, or both diameters from one end to a specific length. The solvent / adhesive is applied to either the inside, the outside, or both. The bonded area (or bond length for a given diameter) is a critical parameter that, if not controlled, can cause the infusion set to leak or easily separate. Bonding parameters can vary significantly due to design imperfections, assembly process imperfections, and process drift.

[0003] Inspecting this critical bond length can be done by visual inspection of the solvent / adhesive wetted area along the contact surface. Another method is to inspect the gap between the tubing end and the hard stop in the component. Both require inspection through translucent components. However, if the component is wavy, textured, or opaque, visual inspection is difficult to perform or cannot be performed at all. Furthermore, in some situations, such as for commercial products intended for the consumer market, visible markers are undesirable. To minimize leaks, separations, and variability in total infusion set length, it is desirable to provide reliable inspection using non-visible markers for all infusion set constructions, regardless of component translucency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides invisible markers for tubing used in infusion sets to provide a visual indicator of fit between the infusion tube and an infusion set component when exposed to a particular source (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) light, etc.). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a tube for use in an infusion set is provided. The tube includes a body defining a fluid flow path, a first tube end, and a second tube end. A tube marker is disposed near the first tube end. The tube marker is positioned such that the distance between a leading edge of the tube marker and an outermost surface of the first tube end is substantially equal to the distance between the outermost surface of a fluid port of an infusion set component and a hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker comprises a material that is visible only under a specific light spectrum.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the specific light spectrum is UV light provided by a UV light source. In one or more embodiments, the first tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into a fluid outlet port of an infusion set component. In one or more embodiments, the first tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into a fluid inlet port of an infusion set component. In one or more embodiments, the tube marker includes one or more cylindrically shaped bands. In one or more embodiments, the tube marker material includes printed ink. In one or more embodiments, the printed ink includes one of a UV dye and a UV ink.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the tube includes a second tube marker disposed near the second tube end, the second tube marker positioned such that the distance between the leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to the distance between the outermost surface of the second infusion set component fluid port and the hard stop of the second infusion set component fluid port. In one or more embodiments, the second tube marker comprises a material that is visible only under the same specific light spectrum as the first tube marker. In one or more embodiments, the second tube marker comprises a material that is different from the material of the first tube marker, and the second tube marker is visible only under a specific light spectrum that is different from the first tube marker. In one or more embodiments, the first tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into the fluid outlet port of the first infusion set component, and the second tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into the fluid inlet port of the second infusion set component. In one or more embodiments, the first tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into a fluid inlet port of a first infusion set component, and the second tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into a fluid outlet port of a second infusion set component.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, an infusion set assembly is provided. The infusion set assembly includes an infusion component and tubing coupled to the infusion component. The tubing includes a body defining a fluid flow path, a first tube end, a second tube end, and a tube marker including a material visible only under a specific light spectrum. The tube marker is positioned near the first tube end such that a distance between a leading edge of the tube marker and an outermost surface of the first tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outer edge of a fluid port of the infusion component and a hard stop.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the tube marker material includes one of UV ink and UV dye, and the specific light spectrum is UV light provided by a UV light source. In one or more embodiments, the tube marker includes at least one cylindrical band formed by an inkjet printer. In one or more embodiments, the infusion set assembly includes a second infusion component and a second tube marker including a material visible only under a specific light spectrum, the second tube marker disposed near the second tube end. The second tube marker is positioned such that the distance between a leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to the distance between the outer edge of the fluid port of the second infusion component and the hard stop. In one or more embodiments, the infusion set assembly includes one of a solvent and an adhesive having a securing material visible only under a specific light spectrum. In one or more embodiments, the securing material includes a UV dye.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written detailed description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure as claimed.

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical assembled infusion set. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of typical infusion set components and tubing before assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion set components of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the infusion set components and tubing of FIG. 2 after assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion set components and tubing of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of assembled infusion set components and tubing with markers made visible by specific lighting. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion set component of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of a tubing segment with markers that are made visible by specific lighting. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of a tubing segment with markers that are made visible by specific lighting. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the tubing segment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Accordingly, dimensions are provided as non-limiting examples with respect to particular embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0015] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations and may be implemented according to a desired application or implementation.

[0016] Infusion sets can be formed from any combination of infusion components and tubing. Typically, the infusion components and tubing are disposable products that are used once and then discarded. The infusion components and tubing can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber). The challenge in manufacturing an infusion set is consistently joining the tubing and infusion components to obtain a secure and / or leak-free joint with the desired fluid flow. The joint can be formed on either the inner or outer diameter of the tubing. In some cases, the joint can be formed by bonding both the inner and outer diameters of the tubing to components for additional joint strength.

[0017] Previous approaches offer a partial solution by making the infusion component translucent. However, even inspecting through the translucent body can be difficult when the outer surface is not smooth or when additional layers of material are present (e.g., textured grip surfaces). In some cases, infusion components are made opaque and with different colors to indicate fluid flow direction (e.g., check valves). Because it is difficult or impossible to see through opaque materials, another previous approach is to create a joint at the inner diameter of the tubing. This restricts fluid flow due to an orifice at the joint that is smaller than the tubing inner diameter. Additionally, applying a solvent / adhesive to the inside of the tubing has a higher tendency for clogging because the solvent / adhesive is forced in when the tube is inserted to form the joint.

[0018] 1, a typical infusion set 30 can include a drip chamber 40, a check valve 50, a roller clamp 60, and a Y-junction 70, all connected together by tubing 20. A typical infusion set 30 can include additional infusion components and can be formed from any combination of components and tubing 20.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a typical Y-junction 70 has inlet ports 72, 74 and outlet port 76, where inlet ports 72, 74 are to be connected to inlet tubes 22, 24, respectively, and outlet port 76 is to be connected to outlet tube 26. As shown in Figure 3, inlet port 72 has an internal joint 77, where inlet tube 22 is to be inserted into inlet port 72. Similarly, outlet port 76 has an internal joint 78, where outlet tube 26 is to be inserted into outlet port 76. In contrast, inlet port 74 has an external joint 79, where inlet tube 24 is to be slid onto and above inlet port 74.

[0020] 4 and 5 show the assembled Y-junction 70 and inlet / outlet tubes 22, 24, 26. An imperfect bond between the inlet tube 22 and the inlet port 72 leaves a gap 71 between the end surface 22 a of the inlet tube 22 and the mating surface 72 a of the inlet port 72. Similarly, an imperfect bond between the outlet tube 26 and the outlet port 76 leaves a gap 73 between the end surface 26 a of the outlet tube 26 and the mating surface 76 a of the outlet port 76. Furthermore, an imperfect bond between the inlet tube 24 and the inlet port 74 leaves a gap 75 between the end surface 24 a of the inlet tube 24 and the mating surface 74 a of the inlet port 74. As discussed above, the gaps 71, 73, 75 increase the likelihood that the respective inner / outer joints 77, 78, 79 will fail by leakage or by separation of the inlet / outlet tubes 22, 24, 26 from the Y-junction 70.

[0021] Unobstructed visual inspection for sharp edges with good contrast lends itself to good repeatability and reproducibility (R&R). This is even more pronounced for automated computer vision inspection. Acceptable gage R&R is required to measure critical parameters (such as for bonded joint area / length), which are currently measured by measuring the gap between the tubing end and the insertion hard stop in the component. This method has been found to be difficult to perform in some cases and impossible in others.

[0022] The addition of markers or marker bands along the tubing that are invisible under typical lighting but visible under a specific light spectrum or light source (e.g., UV light, infrared light) provides an element for good distance measurement. Infusion components are typically injection molded with very high dimensional accuracy. The distance between the hard stop and the exterior edge can generally be estimated from a drawing. Therefore, the distance between the marker (e.g., UV marker) and its exterior edge can be used to estimate the bond length.

[0023] The marker bands or markers can be created by pad printing, laser marking, or any other suitable method, so long as it creates a good contrasting marker under the correct light source. For example, UV ink can be printed onto the tubing to create a marker that becomes visible (e.g., fluoresces) when exposed to UV light. As another example, a UV dye can be combined with or mixed into the solvent or adhesive used to join the tubing and components, where the areas of the tubing and components containing the combined solvent / adhesive become visible when exposed to UV light.

[0024] The marker can be a high-contrast solid band under appropriate lighting. The band can be two or more fragmented blobs on the outer diameter of the tubing. The shape can be a band or any other suitable shape that is easily visible under a particular light source, can be analyzed by the naked eye or computer vision, and does not interfere with fluid flow inspection. For example, a visible ink marker on translucent tubing may need to be smaller than a certain percentage of the tubing surface area so as not to interfere with fluid flow inspection. However, an invisible ink marker (e.g., a UV marker) can occupy up to 100% of the tubing surface area without interfering with fluid flow inspection under normal lighting conditions. Thus, the manufacturer can expose the invisible marker to an appropriate light source (e.g., UV marker exposed to UV light) to verify that the coupling joint is fully inserted, ensuring a reliable joint and infusion / IV set, while downstream supply chain users (e.g., healthcare professionals, patients, consumers) can use the tubing / IV set under normal lighting without visible markings that obstruct or interfere with visual inspection (e.g., fluid flow testing) during use.

[0025] For example, the invisible marker can be a UV marker formed using UV dyes and chemicals that are biocompatible when applied to the tubing and will not be stained by the close proximity of the solvents used in bonding. The UV marker can fluoresce using a low-power UV light source without affecting the health of the operator (e.g., medical personnel, patient), and with proper protection (e.g., storage, handling), can be used safely for long periods of time.

[0026] The markers on the tube can all be formed from the same invisible marking ink or process, where only one special light source is needed in the manufacturing process to identify all of the markers. As another example, some markers can be formed to be visible under one special light source (e.g., UV light) and other markers can be formed to be visible under a different special light source (e.g., infrared light). In such a manner, one set of markers can be utilized in one part of the manufacturing process and another set of markers can be utilized in another part of the manufacturing process, while both sets of markers remain invisible under typical lighting conditions.

[0027] 6 and 7 , the Y-joint 70 can be joined together with inlet tubes 122, 124 and outlet tube 126. The inlet tube 122 includes a tube marker 123 that is visible under specific lighting (e.g., UV light) and is disposed at a specific position on the inlet tube 122. Therefore, when the leading edge 123 a of the tube marker 123 is aligned (e.g., flush) with the top surface 72 b of the inlet port 122, no gap exists between the end surface 122 a of the inlet tube 122 and the engagement surface 72 a of the inlet port 72 in the internal joint 77. As another example, if a gap 71 exists between the end surface 122 a of the inlet tube 122 and the engagement surface 72 a of the inlet port 72, the distance x1 between the leading edge 123 a of the tube marker 123 and the top surface 72 b of the inlet port 72 corresponds to or substantially equals the distance y1 of the gap 71.

[0028] Similarly, with respect to the internal joint 78 formed by the outlet tube 126 and the outlet port 76, the outlet tube 126 includes a tube marker 123 that is disposed at a specific location on the outlet tube 126 and is visible under UV light. Here, when the leading edge 123a of the tube marker 123 is aligned (e.g., flush) with the bottom surface 76b of the outlet port 76, no gap exists between the end surface 126a of the outlet tube 126 and the engagement surface 76a of the outlet port 76. When a gap 73 exists between the end surface 126a of the outlet tube 126 and the engagement surface 76a of the outlet port 76, the distance x2 between the leading edge 123a of the tube marker 123 and the bottom surface 76b of the outlet port 76 corresponds to or substantially equals the distance y2 of the gap 73.

[0029] With respect to the external joint 79 formed by the inlet tube 124 and the inlet port 74, the inlet tube 124 includes a tube marker 123 that is disposed at a specific location on the inlet tube 124 and is visible under UV light. When the leading edge 123a of the tube marker 123 is aligned (e.g., flush) with the top surface 74b of the outlet port 74, no gap exists between the end surface 124a of the inlet tube 124 and the mating surface 74a of the inlet port 74. When a gap 75 exists between the end surface 124a of the inlet tube 124 and the mating surface 74a of the inlet port 74, the distance x3 between the leading edge 123a of the tube marker 123 and the top surface 74b of the inlet port 74 corresponds to or substantially equals the distance y3 of the gap 75.

[0030] 8, the tube 222 can include markers 223, 224 at both ends to provide visual guidance under specific lighting (e.g., UV light) during coupling of the tube 222 to an infusion set component. The markers 223, 224 can have different qualities or appearances based on different marker distances from the tube ends. For example, the marker 223 can be a single solid band associated with a distance z1 between the leading edge 223a of the marker 223 and the first tube end 222a. As another example, the marker 224 can be two differently sized solid bands associated with a distance z2 between the leading edge 224a of the marker 224 and the second tube end 222b. The tube 222 may also include one or more informational markings (e.g., logo 225, part number / unique device identification 226, symbol 227, and date code 228, etc.), any or all of which may be visible under normal lighting or only visible under specific lighting (e.g., UV light). Informational markings visible under normal lighting may be disposed between markers 223 and 224, such that the portion of the tube 222 from the leading edges 223a, 224a of the markers to the tube ends 222a, 222b remains unmarked to facilitate use of the markers 223, 224. Informational markings visible only under special lighting may be disposed anywhere on the tube 222 without providing a distraction or obstructing the view of the inside of the tube 222 under normal lighting conditions. The informational markings may provide relevant information about the tubing 222, the infusion set components, and / or the infusion set. Thus, the relevant information can be easily discerned from the tubing 222 under appropriate lighting, instead of having to be determined from the associated packaging, which is typically discarded.

[0031] Another related aspect of the present disclosure is determining when and where to add markers. Infusion set tubing is typically produced and spooled using an extrusion method. The spooled tubing is then cut to the desired length, and the cut tubing is then joined to the infusion set components to create the infusion set. The present disclosure provides a marking tool (e.g., pad printer, laser) to be disposed in a cutting station where the tubing can be cut to a precise length and the markers can be applied in the same cutting and marking machine / station. Thus, additional process time is not incurred by moving material, loading material, and adding markers on different machines / stations.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9 , the tube 322 can include markers 325 periodically disposed along the tube 322 to provide visual guidance under a special light source 335 (e.g., UV light). For example, the visual guidance can be utilized during bonding of the tube 322 to an infusion set component. The markers 325 can be formed on the tube 322 by a printer using a special ink that is not visible under typical lighting conditions (e.g., sunlight, incandescent light, fluorescent light) but is visible under the light from the special light source 335. For example, a UV dye can be added to standard printer ink, or a specially formulated UV ink can be used in a standard printer used to print markings on tubing (e.g., tube 322). The markers 325 can be formed as a pattern of inkjet dots, as shown in FIG. 10 . As discussed above, the markers 325 can be formed by any desired printing technique (e.g., laser printing, thermal printing).

[0033] It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process methods is an illustration of an example approach. Based on design or implementation preferences, it is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or all of the illustrated blocks may be implemented. In some implementations, any of the blocks may be implemented simultaneously.

[0034] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0035] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., "her" and "it"), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0036] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0037] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items (with the word "or" separating any of the items) modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one item. Rather, the phrase allows for a meaning including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to A only, B only, or C only; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0038] The use of phrases such as "aspects" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. Any reference to such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0039] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including the claims that follow) are approximate and not exact, and in one aspect, are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with functions customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0040] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0041] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No element of a claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Moreover, to the extent terms such as "include" or "having" are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprise," such as "comprise" is construed when used as a transitional phrase in a claim.

[0042] The Title of the Invention, Background Art, Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of the Disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as examples for purposes of illustrating the disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the Detailed Description, it can be understood that the description provides examples for illustrative purposes, and that various features have been grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0043] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nonetheless, none of the claims are intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be so interpreted.

Claims

1. 1. A tube for connecting to an infusion set component in an infusion set, the tube comprising: a flexible polymer body defining a fluid flow path; a first tube end; a second tube end; a first tube marker disposed on the tube, the first tube marker positioned such that a distance between a leading edge of the first tube marker and an outermost surface of the first tube end is equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a first fluid port of a first infusion set component including one of a drip chamber, a check valve, and a Y-junction and a hard stop of the first fluid port, the hard stop being configured to contact the outermost surface of the first tube end and prevent the outermost surface of the first tube end from advancing further into the first fluid port of the first infusion set component, the first tube marker comprising a material visible only under an ultraviolet light spectrum, and the first tube marker comprising a plurality of cylindrical bands disposed on the first tube end; a second tube marker disposed on the tube, the second tube marker positioned such that a distance between a leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a second fluid port of a second infusion set component including one of a drip chamber, a check valve, and a Y-junction and a hard stop of the second fluid port, the second tube marker comprising a material visible only under a specific light spectrum, and the second tube marker comprising a different number of cylindrical bands than the first tube marker; an informational marking disposed on the tube, the informational marking comprising a material visible only under ultraviolet light spectrum; Including the tube.

2. The tubing of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cylindrical bands of the first tube marker includes two differently sized solid bands.

3. The tube of claim 1 , wherein the first tube marker material comprises printed ink.

4. The tube of claim 3 , wherein the printed ink includes an ultraviolet dye.

5. The tube of claim 4 , wherein the printed ink comprises an ultraviolet ink.

6. 10. The tube of claim 1, wherein the material of the second tube marker is visible only under the same ultraviolet light spectrum as the material of the first tube marker.

7. 10. The tube of claim 1, wherein the material of the second tube marker is different from the material of the first tube marker, and the second tube marker is visible only under a different particular light spectrum than the first tube marker.

8. An infusion set assembly, the infusion set assembly comprising: a first infusion component including one of a drip chamber, a check valve, and a Y-junction; a second infusion component including one of a drip chamber, a check valve, and a Y-junction; tubing connected to the first infusion component and the second infusion component; Including, The tube a flexible polymer body defining a fluid flow path; a first tube end; a second tube end; a first tube marker disposed on the tube, the first tube marker positioned such that a distance between a leading edge of the tube marker and an outermost surface of the first tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a first fluid port of the first infusion component and a hard stop of the first fluid port, the hard stop being configured to contact the outermost surface of the first tube end and prevent the outermost surface of the first tube end from advancing further into the first fluid port of the first infusion component, the first tube marker comprising a material visible only under an ultraviolet light spectrum, and the first tube marker comprising a plurality of cylindrical bands disposed on the first tube end; a second tube marker disposed on the tube, the second tube marker positioned such that a distance between a leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a second fluid port of the second infusion component and a hard stop of the second fluid port, the second tube marker comprising a material visible only under a particular light spectrum, and the second tube marker comprising a different number of cylindrical bands than the first tube marker; an informational marking disposed on the tube, the informational marking comprising a material visible only under ultraviolet light spectrum; an infusion set assembly comprising:

9. The infusion set assembly of claim 8 , wherein the material of the first tube marker comprises one of an ultraviolet ink and an ultraviolet dye.

10. 9. The infusion set assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cylindrical bands of the first tube marker are formed by an inkjet printer.

11. The infusion set assembly of claim 8, further comprising one of a solvent and an adhesive containing fastening material that joins the first tube end to the first infusion component, the fastening material being visible only under the ultraviolet light spectrum.

12. The infusion set assembly of claim 11 , wherein the fixative material includes an ultraviolet dye.

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