ASTM E1048-88(2021)

Standard Specification for Color-Coding Pipets or Containers Coated With Anticoagulants

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes a color-coding system to identify the anticoagulants used in coating pipets or containers not exceeding 1 mL in volume. Its purpose is to ensure that if a color code is used with an anticoagulant, all manufacturers will be encouraged, though not required, to use the same code.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a system to identify the anticoagulants used in coating pipets or containers not exceeding 1 mL in volume.  
1.2 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a color code is used with an anticoagulant, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same code; it is not intended to require color coding.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 01.070 - Colour coding
• ICS: 11.100.99 - Other standards related to laboratory medicine
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Overview

ASTM E1048-88(2021): Standard Specification for Color-Coding Pipets or Containers Coated With Anticoagulants provides a standardized approach for identifying anticoagulants in laboratory pipets or containers no larger than 1 mL in volume. Developed by ASTM International, this specification establishes a universal color-coding system to ensure consistent identification, promoting safety, clarity, and uniformity in laboratory environments. Adoption of this standard assists manufacturers and end-users in clearly distinguishing between different anticoagulants, supporting efficient laboratory practices and minimizing errors.

Key Topics

• Scope: Covers pipets and containers with a volume not exceeding 1 mL, specifically those coated with anticoagulants.
• Color-Coding System: Establishes a recommended color band code for each type of anticoagulant, ensuring consistency when color coding is used.
• Manufacturing Guidance: Encourages - but does not require - manufacturers to adopt the same color codes.
• Specifications:
  • Color bands must be 1–3 mm wide and completely encircle the pipet, positioned no more than 20 mm from the top.
  • When multiple color codes are present (e.g., for volume and anticoagulant), clear spacing and order for bands should be followed.
• Standard Units: All specifications utilize SI units exclusively.
• International Alignment: Developed in line with principles established by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Applications

• Clinical and Research Laboratories: Practical for differentiating between pipets or small containers containing different anticoagulants, which is crucial in hematology, biochemical, and medical sample testing.
• Manufacturing and Distribution: Guides manufacturers of laboratory ware in applying consistent color coding for anticoagulants such as Ammonium Heparin and Sodium Heparin, improving product usability and regulatory compliance.
• Quality Assurance and Training: Supports laboratory managers and trainers in standardizing procedures and reducing the risk of sample mix-ups or incorrect usage of anticoagulants.
• Procurement and Inventory Management: Facilitates easy identification of products during storage and retrieval, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Related Standards

• ASTM E41 on Laboratory Apparatus: ASTM E1048 falls under the jurisdiction of this committee, which oversees standards related to laboratory ware and supplies.
• ISO Laboratory Equipment Standards: May intersect with international practices for identifying and differentiating laboratory tools and consumables.
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP): Complements GLP guidelines by providing a clear framework for labeling and handling critical laboratory equipment.
• Regulatory and Trade Guidelines: Aligns with WTO TBT Committee recommendations to facilitate international trade and standardization.

Keywords: color-coding, anticoagulant identification, laboratory pipets, ASTM E1048, laboratory containers, standard specification, laboratory safety, SI units, laboratory best practices, international standardization

By encouraging the use of a unified color-coding system for anticoagulant-coated pipets and containers, ASTM E1048-88(2021) helps enhance clarity, safety, and interoperability across laboratories worldwide. Manufacturers and laboratory professionals are urged to adopt these practices for improved accuracy and reduced risk in sample handling.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1048 −88 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Color-Coding Pipets or Containers Coated With
Anticoagulants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1048; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Color Code
1.1 This specification covers a system to identify the anti- 2.1 The color coding used to identify the anticoagulant used
coagulants used in coating pipets or containers not exceeding 1 in coating the pipets shall be in accordance with Table 1.
mL in volume.
2.2 Variations in the enamels used and in the methods of
1.2 The purpose of this specification is to ensure that if a application appropriate for pipets made from different types of
color code is used with an anticoagulant, all manufacturers will glass inevitably result in minor variations of color, and it is
be encouraged to use the same code; it is not intended to therefore not appropriate to specify more closely the colors
require color coding. mentioned in the table.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1 The color code shall consist of a color band 1-3 mm
standard.
wide which shall completely encircle the pipet in a plane
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2 The location of the color code shall not be more than 20
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mm from the top of the pipet.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.3 If other color code bands are used to indicate capacity,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
they shall be 2-6 mm wide. The anticoagulant color code band
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