Do not re-use (crossed-out 2)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that is intended for one single use only.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.4.2 · ISO 7000-1051
What it means for you
Use it once and throw it away: no second use, no cleaning and re-using. Stago’s glossary words it as “one use, or for use on a single patient during a single procedure”. Re-using can mean infection, a blunt or broken device or a wrong test result.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- The number 2 inside a circle, with a diagonal bar through both.
- Where you see it
- Lancets, needles, syringes, test cassettes, catheters, many dressings and daily contact lenses.
- Other names
- single use; use only once; single use only; crossed out 2
What it does not tell you
It does not mean the device is sterile, and it does not tell you how to dispose of it. A device for several uses on one person has a different mark (single patient – multiple use).
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that may be used multiple times (multiple procedures) on a single patient.
More symbols in “A crossed-out circle”
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 5.4.2 “Do not re-use — Indicates a medical device that is intended for one single use only.” Image labelled ISO 7000-1051. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the crossed-out 2 for reference no. 5.4.2 (ISO 7000-1051); “NOTE: Synonyms for ‘Do not reuse’ are ‘single use’ and ‘use only once’.” Checked 2026-09-25.
- Stago: Glossary of symbols (520233-A_EN) — “Do not re-use — Indicates a medical device that is intended for one use, or for use on a single patient during a single procedure. NF EN ISO 15223-1, symbol #5.4.2.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.