The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for marking components, supplies and kits of
drug administration devices and other
medical systems with
quality assurance information. The invention also provides apparatuses and methods for tracking
time of use of such components, supplies and kits and various apparatuses and methods for preventing use or reuse of tainted, recalled or unrecognized components, supplies and kits.
Quality assurance markers (QAMs) are described which store information regarding the identity and manufacturer of disposable components, supplies and kits. The invention utilizes several
QAM modalities, such as, among others, 1-D and 2-D bar codes, 1-D and 2-D symbologies, holograms, written text,
radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs), integrated
chip smart cards, and EEPROMs.