Indicia informative of characteristics of insertable medical devices

Abstract

A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter ('PICC'), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion, and a portion external to the patient that includes a resource information key indicating a website where a user can acquire resource information relating to the medical device. In other embodiments indicia are provided as quick response ('QR') codes, and as various markings to indicate compatibility of the medical device with ethanol.