Use Purple Bracelets or Wristbands Only for Do Not Resuscitate Status

U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent this bulletin at 08/16/2021 10:11 AM EDT

If your email program has trouble displaying this email, view as a webpage.
FDA - Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Use Purple Bracelets or Wristbands Only for Do Not Resuscitate Status- Letter to Industry

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to industry to inform manufacturers of potential confusion and the possibility of inappropriate medical treatment based on the color of the bracelet or wristband provided by a device manufacturer and given to patients to be worn as an identifier of an implanted device. These are also called device identification patient bracelets or wristbands

Read the letter


The FDA is aware that purple wristbands are given to patients in many health care settings to denote do not resuscitate (DNR) status. The FDA is also aware other purple wristbands may have different meanings. The letter to industry includes:

  • Background on color recommendations for patient hospital wristbands.
  • Recommendations for manufacturers.
  • The FDA’s actions to address the issue.

Questions?

If you have questions, contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education.