Fragile, handle with care (glass)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that can be broken or damaged if not handled carefully.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.3.1 · ISO 7000-0621
What it means for you
The contents can break — glass vials, thermometers, optical parts, electronics. Do not drop or crush the pack.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A wine glass (a cup on a stem with a foot), drawn upright.
- Where you see it
- Outer cartons of diagnostic kits with glass vials, meters and instruments.
- Other names
- fragile; handle with care
What it does not tell you
It does not mean the item contains glass, and it has nothing to do with food contact — the glass-and-fork food mark is a different symbol.
More symbols in “Umbrella, sun or glass”
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 5.3.1 “Fragile, handle with care — Indicates a medical device that can be broken or damaged if not handled carefully.” Image labelled ISO 7000-0621. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the glass for reference no. 5.3.1 (ISO 7000-0621). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Stago: Glossary of symbols (520233-A_EN) — “Fragile, handle with care — Indicates a medical device that can be broken or damaged if not handled carefully. NF EN ISO 15223-1, symbol #5.3.1.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.