Insulin Colour Code

Abstract

NOTEWORTHY steps in the direction of co-operation in production and distribution have been made by the four firms (Allen and Hanburys Ltd., Boots Pure Drug Co. Ltd., British Drug Houses Ltd., and Burroughs Well come and Co.) entrusted with the manufacture of insulin in Great Britain. These firms, mindful of their special responsibilities to the diabetic community, have throughout the War period pooled their research, manufacturing and distributive facilities to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply of their products to those in daily need of them and to reduce their prices, in the face of rising material and labour costs, to the lowest practicable level. Three distinct types of insulin-Unmodified Insulin, Protamine Zinc Insulin and Globin Insulin (with Zinc)-are in regular use in Great Britain. Alternative strengths of two of these make a total of six different preparations, and confusion between them might easily be attended by serious consequences. To reduce this possibility to a minimum, the British insulin manufacturers have agreed to adopt a uniform design for labels and cartons, by which each type and strength of insulin, of whatever make, will be readily identifiable by a distinctive colour scheme. In addition, the unit strength per c.c. will be displayed in bold figures on both label and carton. An explanatory card, printed in colours, is obtainable from any of the manufacturers on request. The change, which will take place on January 1, was made after consultation with leading authorities and with the approval of the Ministry of Health.