Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

08:53
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 2. General Practices
Published on: October 3, 2016
Labelling of equipment dispensers
1Accident and Emergency Department St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK.
Archives of Emergency Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
A novel medical equipment labeling system, using dispenser contents as labels, was tested. This new method proved 27% faster than traditional written labels for item selection.
Area of Science:
- Medical equipment management
- Human-computer interaction
- Labeling systems
Background:
- Effective labeling is crucial for efficient medical equipment management.
- Conventional written labels can be time-consuming to interpret and use.
- Optimizing dispenser usability is key in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new labeling system for medical equipment dispensers.
- To compare the efficiency of the novel system against conventional labeling methods.
Main Methods:
- A new labeling system was developed, utilizing an item from the dispenser as its own label, attached externally.
- Participants were timed while selecting items from dispensers using both the new system and conventional written labels.
Main Results:
- The novel labeling system demonstrated a 27% improvement in speed compared to conventional written labels.
- Subjects were significantly faster in identifying and selecting items with the new system.
Conclusions:
- The object-based labeling system offers a more efficient alternative to traditional methods for medical equipment dispensers.
- This innovative approach has the potential to enhance workflow and reduce time in clinical environments.
Related Concept Videos
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...

