Do not resterilize (crossed-out STERILE)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that is not to be resterilized.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.2.6 · ISO 7000-2608
What it means for you
The device must not be put through sterilisation a second time — for example after the pack was opened and not used. Materials, coatings or seals may not survive a second cycle.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A circle with a diagonal bar over the word STERILE, with a small 2 above it.
- Where you see it
- Sterile single-use devices: catheters, needles, surgical instruments sold sterile, implants.
- Other names
- do not re-sterilise; no resterilisation
What it does not tell you
It does not by itself say the device is single use (that is the crossed-out 2), though the two often appear together. It does not say what to do with an opened, unused item — the instructions do.
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that is intended for one single use only.
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 5.2.6 “Do Not Resterilize — Indicates a medical device that is not to be resterilized.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2608. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the crossed circle over STERILIZE with a 2 for reference no. 5.2.6 (ISO 7000-2608). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Cook Medical: Glossary of standard symbols — ISO 15223-1 5.2.6 “Do not resterilize — Indicates a medical device that is not to be resterilized.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.