Positive ID. Medical device standard looming.

Abstract

After much work and research, the Food and Drug Administration is preparing to publish a proposed rule for unique device identifier (UDI) standards for medical devices. The UDI would be used to identify a vast array of medical products and would streamline the hospital supply chain while improving patient safety. For instance, having a UDI in place would assist product recall efforts. But getting hospital supply chain leaders, manufacturers, group purchasing organizations and others to embrace UDI standards won't be easy. Here's a look at what's ahead.