Keep away from sunlight (sun over a cover)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that needs protection from light sources.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.3.2 · ISO 7000-0624
What it means for you
Store the product out of direct light — in its box, in a drawer. Light can degrade test reagents, dyes and some plastics. Boston Scientific notes it “can also mean ‘Keep away from heat’”.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A sun with rays shining down on a roof-shaped cover that shelters a small box beneath it.
- Where you see it
- Test strip vials, IVD reagents, some dressings and contact-lens solutions.
- Other names
- protect from light; store in the dark; keep away from heat
What it does not tell you
It gives no temperature: if a temperature range matters, a separate thermometer mark states it.
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that needs to be protected from moisture.
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 5.3.2 “Keep away from sunlight — Indicates a medical device that needs protection from light sources. NOTE: This symbol can also mean ‘Keep away from heat’.” Image labelled ISO 7000-0624. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the sun over a covered box for reference no. 5.3.2 (ISO 7000-0624). Checked 2026-09-25.
- Stago: Glossary of symbols (520233-A_EN) — “Keep away from sunlight — Indicates a medical device that needs protection from light sources. NF EN ISO 15223-1, symbol #5.3.2.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.