Summary
This document replaces the Association of Anaesthetists’ previous guidance on this topic, following
the publication of BS ISO 26825:2020.
BS ISO 26825:2020 is the second edition of the standard for user-applied labels for syringes
containing drugs used in anaesthesia. It technically revises, cancels and replaces the 2008 first
edition. It gives requirements for labels attached to syringes so that the contents can be identified
during anaesthesia and covers the colour, size, design and general properties of the label and
the typographical characteristics of the wording for the drug name. Its purpose is solely for use in
anaesthesia and as such covers a range of core drug groups. It is acknowledged that these labels may
find a use in other critical care areas.
The main technical reason for the revision of BS ISO 26825 was to improve the colour, size and design
of the labels. Several labels were revised to take account of comments made regarding their clarity
and possibility of confusion in use.