Unique Tracking System for Medical Products
Medical Device Link included a report recently that detailed the lack of a broad based tracking system, which still has not been implemented on a widespread level within the healthcare industry. The article reviewed the current stage with respect to implementation of a unique identification system.
The lack of such a system limits the ability to effectively remove devices, implants, and other products in a timely manner when recalls are issued. Moreover, information can be lost, confused, or mislabeled across the broad healthcare supply chain from manufacturer to consumer.
Tracking information collected by each organization within a supply chain may be distinctly coded and tracked. And, more often than not, this information is not shared between and across organizations.
A more comprehensive and reliable system is warranted, especially as the use of devices and implants continues to grow. The FDA and other organizations are advocating for development of a system wherein information can be easily shared between the whole spectrum of participants across the supply chain. Creation of a unique device identification (UDI) system, in particular, continues to gain significant attention as a solution to the aforementioned concern.
Implantation of a UDI would make medical device tracking similar to tracking practices employed for pharmaceuticals, which are required to contain a bar coded National Drug Code (NDC) number according to FDA regulations. Some suggest that the UDIs would be even more comprehensive than the current NDCs.
The current piece, linked above, from Medical Device Link details the current status of tracking systems, opportunities and challenges of implementing a UDI, and creating a system that will link tracking tools together in a unified system.
October 2, 2007 Related topics: Supply chain/SCM, Materials Management