Atmospheric pressure limitation (arrows between limit lines)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates the range of atmospheric pressure to which the medical device can be safely exposed.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.3.9 · ISO 7000-2621
What it means for you
The figures are the lowest and highest air pressure the device tolerates. Low pressure means altitude: 70 kPa is roughly the air pressure at 3,000 m, so a lower limit of 70 kPa can matter for mountain trips or unpressurised transport.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A circle with two arrows pointing in at a dot in the middle, between an angled upper and lower limit line, each with a pressure in kPa or hPa beside it.
- Where you see it
- Electronic devices such as blood-pressure monitors, pumps and meters, and some IVD kits.
- Other names
- pressure range; altitude limit
What it does not tell you
It does not say whether the range covers storage, transport or operation; the instructions say which.
Often confused with
Indicates the range of humidity to which the medical device can be safely exposed.
More symbols in “Limit lines”
Sources
ISO 15223-1 is a paid standard, so the wording above is quoted as 3 publishers’ public documents reproduce it. Each was fetched and read on the date shown:
- Boston Scientific: Symbols Glossary — ISO 15223-1 5.3.9 “Atmospheric pressure limitation — Indicates the range of atmospheric pressure to which the medical device can be safely exposed.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2621. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Reference no. 5.3.9 (ISO 7000-2621): “To indicate the acceptable upper and lower limits of atmospheric pressure for transport and storage”, shown as a circle with inward arrows between limit lines. Checked 2026-09-25.
- Stago: Glossary of symbols (520233-A_EN) — “Atmospheric pressure limitation — Indicates the range of atmospheric pressure to which the medical device can be safely exposed. NF EN ISO 15223-1, symbol #5.3.9.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.