App developed to scan unique medical device identifier code

A global unique device identification database (GUDID) has been created by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), containing key medical device identification information and Unique Device Identifiers (UDIs).

The FDA worked together with the National Library of Medicine and created the web portal (AccessGUDID). The website serves as a guide for patients and the healthcare industry, allowing them to search for specific medical devices.

Earlier this year the FDA released new guidelines to help protect medical devices from potential threats such as hacking.  The UDI system is intended to help improve patient safety, by giving clear information on medical devices so healthcare staff and patients understand the technology.

In addition, information and technology services Authentag has created a mobile app called UDI Check that scans Type II medical devices. Users can use the app to detect the UDI embedded in the label’s barcode. Last year the US made it law for all class II medical devices sold in the country to contain a UDI, an indicator that can be read by humans and machines.

Authentag’s code reader is compatible with multiple code formats and UDI’s issued from all the accredited issuing agencies.

According to the law device manufacturers must keep the data in the FDA GUDID database up to date. Authentag state: “Each barcode also has its own identifiers which make it completely unique. This means it can have its own story to tell about who and where it was built, how it shipped all the way to who is using it in a hospital or even patient level. The foundation of this digital life thread is the data that UDI Check stores for you in your personal history.”