A reader system for reading information on at least one identification tag associated with a syringe connected to a fluid injector has a detector and a background screen spaced apart from the detector such that at least one of the at least one identification tags is positioned in an optical path between the detector and the background screen when the syringe is connected to the fluid injector. The reader system further has an illumination system configured for illuminating at least a portion of the background screen. The detector is configured for detecting and decoding the at least one identification tag. Methods for reading information on at least one identification tag associated with a syringe are also described.