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      Labeling individual vials with control numbers

      There are several options for labeling controlled substances with unique identifiers.

      Control numbers are unique IDs attached to each vial. While it adds more work up front for administrators, it leads to fewer mistakes by crews and is much easier to troubleshoot when there is a discrepancy. Over the years, we've heard of many different ways to label vials, and have listed our favorite options below:

      Option 1: Use a label maker

      Many agencies we work with use label makers to print out sticky labels, which are affixed to each vial of medication. There are many benefits to using a label maker, including:

      • Efficiency - Labels can be quickly created, whether it's one at a time or in bulk. Many modern label makers can pull information from a simple spreadsheet, so hundreds can be created and printed in minutes.
      • Legibility & Durability - Labels are clear and legible, making it easier for users to read. In addition, there are labels available that resist factors such as water, heat, and smudging. 
      • Customization - Most label makers provide options for customizing font styles, sizes, and formatting, so you can tailor it to your specific needs. 
      One of the leading brands in the industry is Brother. They offer a wide variety of label makers and labels, plus software (P-Touch Editor) that makes it possible to print in bulk. Here's a label maker we've heard good things about: https://www.brother-usa.com/ptouch/cube/cube-xp


      And here's a quick video on how we used the P-Touch Editor software to print vial labels from a simple spreadsheet:

      Note: This video was taken on an Apple computer. Click here for instructions on a Windows machine. 

      FYI, we're not affiliated with Brother in any way; we've just heard positive reviews from our customers. Please don't contact us with hardware support questions.

      Option 2: Buy pre-labeled tags or stickers

      There is no shortage of companies that offer pre-labeled tags or stickers that can be attached to CS vials. But there are a few things to be aware of before going this route:
      • Make sure they're pre-labeled. Choose a sticker or tag that is pre-numbered, so you don't have to worry about printing or writing the control number manually.
      • Make sure they don't cover any important information. Some labels are large when compared to a vial of medication, so ensure that they don't cover up the expiration date, lot number, or any other critical information. 
      • Make sure you can close the drug box. This seems obvious, but we've seen it happen before - especially when dealing with hard tags that don't wrap around the vials.
       With that said, here are a few different options we've found in our research:
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