U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a unique device identification system to adequately identify medical devices through their distribution and use. When fully implemented, the label of most devices will include a unique device identifier (UDI) in a human and machine-readable format. Device labelers must also submit certain information about each device to FDA’s Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID). The public can search and download information from the FDA at AccessGUDID.
The UDI system, which is being phased in over several years, offers a number of benefits that will be more fully realized with the adoption and integration of UDIs into the health care delivery system. FDA states UDI implementation will improve patient safety, modernize device post-market surveillance, and facilitate medical device innovation.
Philips recognizes and supports the MHS mission—which extends beyond combat medicine to healthcare delivery, education, public health, R&D and private sector partnerships to advance health for the Defense community.
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