Laser-coding system

A laser-coding system enables glass containers for parenteral use to be clearly coded at the glass syringe manufacturer and tracked from production to end user, enabling a track and trace system and reducing mix-ups of syringes and batches. It also counters drug counterfeiters.

The laser-coded containers meet clean room standards and no additional chemicals or materials are required for coding; and it can be integrated into existing filling systems, providing a stable, highly reproducible and safe process.

The laser coding is claimed to cause no microcracks and has no effect on the mechanical stability of the glass; and readability of the code on the curved glass surface of the syringe is ensured.

The 2D data matrix code marked on to the container is barely visible but allows indexing of a database record containing data related to the individual item, such as drug specification, dosage, production line and batch. This record can have more data added during the life cycle of the product.

The process can be used for syringes as well as for vials, cartridges and ampoules.