It starts with the unique identification of products. In this way, you create a unique passport with which every link in the chain can recognise a product. By also identifying people and locations, you can follow and trace products throughout the chain.
Products
Healthcare products are divided into medical devices and medicinal products.
Medical Devices
For suppliers of medical devices, the process starts with the unique identification of products by applying Unique Device Identification (UDI) to the medical device. This is a requirement of the European MDR and IVDR legislation.
Medicines
For the unique identification of medicines, GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is used in combination with batch number and expiry date. The Falsified Medicines Directive provides a system of unique identification that allows every medicine to be traced from production to the patient.
Scanning products
For healthcare institutions, the identification process starts when products are received by scanning the barcode.
Persons (patient and client)
GS1 Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) is used to uniquely identify people. Events can thus be recorded directly in the electronic patient record, from patient observations and administration of medication to surgical procedures or implantable devices used.
Locations
Use GS1 Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to identify a particular supplier, manufacturer or hospital, or a patient department or specific shelf. This ensures a more efficient and transparent supply chain.