Patient identification (person with ?)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates the identification data of the patient.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.7.3 · IEC 60417-5664
What it means for you
The details next to it identify the patient — typically name and date of birth, or a patient ID — so the card or label can be matched to the right person.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A standing figure with a question mark beside it.
- Where you see it
- Implant cards given to patients after an implant (EU MDR Article 18), and some patient-specific labels.
- Other names
- patient ID; figure with question mark
What it does not tell you
It does not say which details must be given; that depends on the card and the hospital.
Often confused with
Indicates a unique number associated with an individual patient.
More symbols in “A person or a heart”
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 5.7.3 “Patient identification — Indicates the identification data of the patient.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the figure with ? for reference no. 5.7.3 (IEC 60417-5664). Checked 2026-09-28.
- Cook Medical: Glossary of standard symbols — ISO 15223-1 5.7.3 “Patient Identification — Indicates the identification data of the patient.” Checked 2026-09-28.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.