Sterilized using steam or dry heat (STERILE with thermometer)
The standard’s wording, as the sources below reproduce it:
“Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using steam or dry heat.”
ISO 15223-1:2021, 5.2.5 · ISO 7000-2503
What it means for you
The pack was sterilised by steam (autoclave) or dry heat — methods used for metal instruments and heat-tolerant materials.
Whether a device is right for you is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
- What it looks like
- A STERILE box with an extra cell holding a small thermometer.
- Where you see it
- Metal instruments, some glassware and heat-resistant kits.
- Other names
- steam sterilised; autoclaved; dry heat sterilised
What it does not tell you
It does not say you may re-sterilise the item yourself; that depends on the instructions and on whether the crossed-out STERILE mark is present.
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 5.2.5 “Sterilized using steam or dry heat — Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using steam or dry heat.” Image labelled ISO 7000-2503. Checked 2026-09-25.
- NE Scientific: Master Symbol Glossary (CTF-100011 Rev 01) — Shows the STERILE box with a thermometer cell for reference no. 5.2.5 (ISO 7000-2503): “the device is provided sterile and has been sterilized using steam or dry heat”. Checked 2026-09-25.
- Integra LifeSciences: Symbols Glossary (1410819-2 Rev B) — “Sterilized using steam or dry heat — Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using steam or dry heat.” Checked 2026-09-25.
Plain-language parts are in our own words; quotations are the sources’ wording.