Multi-Orientation Drug Label for Syringe Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medication errors in hospitals, particularly during administration of drugs to patients under anesthesia, are common due to the need for multiple syringes of different concentrations, leading to potential harm and adverse reactions.
Innovation Solution
A drug administration safety device featuring a label with multiple sections in different orientations and shapes to clearly differentiate drug names and concentrations, reducing confusion and errors by ensuring information is readable regardless of the syringe's position and allowing visual distinction between similar containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple syringes of different concentrations are used to administer drugs to patients, then the ability to provide appropriate dosing is improved, but the likelihood of medication errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to label sections and text elements to differentiate between drug concentrations and types. Different concentrations of the same drug are indicated by different text colors or background colors, allowing rapid visual distinction. This color-based differentiation system enables healthcare providers to quickly identify the correct syringe concentration while maintaining a standardized syringe design, thus improving reliability without sacrificing dosing versatility.
2Productivity
If pre-filled syringes with predetermined drug concentrations are used, then the need for dose recalculation and dilution is eliminated, but the complexity of managing multiple similar syringes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded labeling to differentiate between various pre-filled syringe concentrations. Each concentration level is associated with a specific color scheme in the label's drug concentration section, allowing healthcare providers to quickly distinguish between similar-looking syringes. This visual coding system simplifies inventory management and selection processes while maintaining the productivity benefits of pre-filled syringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is divided into distinct functional sections including drug name, concentration, volume, and unique identifier areas. This segmentation allows for systematic organization of information and facilitates quick scanning and verification. The structured layout reduces cognitive load when managing multiple syringe types by presenting information in a consistent, easily parseable format.
3Speed
If multiple similar syringes of different concentrations are made readily available, then quick drug delivery is enabled, but the risk of selecting the wrong concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements color-coded labeling where different drug concentrations are represented by distinct color schemes. The drug concentration section uses colored text or backgrounds that correspond to specific concentration levels, enabling rapid visual identification. This allows healthcare providers to quickly select the correct syringe concentration while minimizing the risk of medication errors, thus maintaining fast drug delivery safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The label design incorporates asymmetric placement of critical information elements, with the drug concentration and unique identifier positioned in prominent, easily locatable positions. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that key differentiating features are not uniformly distributed but strategically placed for rapid detection, reducing the likelihood of selecting the wrong syringe concentration under time pressure.
4Reliability
If color schemes are used to distinguish drug classes, then some differentiation is achieved, but medication errors continue to persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends color coding beyond drug class differentiation to include specific concentration identification. While drug classes may use color schemes per ASTM standards, this patent adds concentric color coding within the concentration section of the label, where different concentrations of the same drug are indicated by different colors or text color variations. This layered color information system prevents information loss by providing both class and concentration differentiation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional visual dimension to drug identification by incorporating colored text or background elements within the concentration section of the label. This dimensional addition to the existing color-coding system provides a new layer of information that distinguishes concentrations without interfering with drug class differentiation, thereby preventing information loss and improving overall identification accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug administration safety device having a label configured to be attached to a drug container such as a syringe or IV bag, an adhesive on the back face of the label, and a backing or substrate for holding the label and protecting the adhesive prior to the application of the label to the drug container. In one embodiment, the label includes a first drug name section in a first orientation, a second drug name section in a second orientation, a third drug name section in a third orientation, a drug concentration section, a variable information section, and a gradiation viewing section. The first orientation, second orientation, and third orientation are different from each other to enable a user to readily see the drug name regardless of the position and orientation of the drug container.