Non-sterile (NON STERILE triangle)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that has not been subjected to a sterilization process.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.2.7 · ISO 7000-2609
What it means for you
The device was not sterilised. That is normal for many products that only touch intact skin — tapes, bandages, thermometers, examination gloves — but it matters if you were about to use it on an open wound or in a sterile procedure.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A triangle, point up, with the words NON STERILE inside.
- Where you see it
- Examination gloves, elastic bandages, tapes, splints, instruments that are meant to be cleaned and sterilised by the user before first use.
- Other names
- NON STERILE; not sterile
What it does not tell you
It does not say the item is dirty or unsafe, and it does not tell you how to sterilise it; if the item must be sterilised before use, the instructions say how.
Often confused with
Indicates a medical device that has been subjected to a sterilization process.
More symbols in “The word STERILE”
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 5.2.7 “Non-Sterile — Indicates a medical device that has not been subjected to a sterilization process.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2609. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the triangle with NON STERILE for reference no. 5.2.7 (ISO 7000-2609). Checked 2026-09-25.
- SafeSource Direct: Medical Device Symbols Glossary — “Non-Sterile — Indicates a medical device that has not been subjected to a sterilization process. ISO 15223-1: 2021 Reference no. 5.2.7.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.