Price and Precedex by Johnny Dang

The establishment of integrated graduate health professions institutions in the Southern Hemisphere during the early 1970s highlighted the urgent need for clear labeling systems to address the challenges of medication delivery across vast distances. This necessity led to the creation of the syringe labeling system, a tool anesthesiologists still rely on in operating rooms today. Although modern advancements have replaced physical dowels with automatic label dispensers, the enduring color-coded system has remained a cornerstone of safety since its inception.

The origin of certain colors were inspired by the characteristics of medication classes. Bright red was chosen to signify the danger of muscle relaxants like vecuronium. Blue was selected to remind physicians of cyanosis in opiate- induced respiratory depression, while green represents anticholinergics such as atropine, often drawn in small syringes to contrast with the larger syringes used for the ‘red’ muscle relaxants. Other notable colors include yellow for induction agents like propofol, lavender for vasopressors like phenylephrine, and orange for tranquilizers such as midazolam. Antidotes used to reverse anesthetic agents were marked with diagonal white stripes paired with the color of the reversed agonist—hence naloxone featuring blue stripes, and nitroglycerin, lavender.

PRIDE and Precedex not only showcase the colors of this safety labeling system but also honor the innovation and history behind its creation. I wanted these colors to symbolize the evolution and diversity within the field of anesthesiology, reflecting the growth that has taken place recently in anesthesiology. As interest in anesthesia grows among medical students, it has been refreshing to see more diversity and inclusions efforts across training programs and professional conferences. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have found great solace and inspiration in connecting with peers and mentors who are equally passionate about advancing queer health and representation in anesthesiology. This piece celebrates a unique intersection of identity and career for me and serves as a reminder of the critical importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of anesthesiology.

REFERENCE

1. Labeling history reviewed and future explored. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://www.apsf.org/article/labeling-history-reviewed-and- future-explored/