Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

You can store the HBICC UPN in IC11.3 or the GTIN in IC11.7. We are loading GTINs currently but have not really put them to use.

Are you getting the GTINs from vendors or are you subscribing to a GDSN to get the data?

From vendors/manufacturers mainly. You can get them from NIH library @ https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/ also. When we implemented Epic their consultants sent me a file with the entire Access GUDID database but unfortunately the data didn't include any packaging information. So I couldn't tell if the GTIN represented an EA or some other UOM.

Do the vendors/manufactuers send you an electronic file with this data on a regular basis?

Not at all. I usually just stumble upon the information on the internet. But I've asked for data from manufacturers as well.

Hi JonA - We are in the midst of implementing NuVia with GHX & they have mentioned both GUDID & GTIN. Having no experience with either I'm not sure I grasp the difference. GHX did seem to indicate the manufacturers are showing a higher level of compliance providing GUDID vs. GTIN. Any info would be appreciated!

The GUDID, Global Unique Device Identifier Database, is merely a database or repository maintained by the government (NIH) that stores UDI information. The UDI may be GTIN or HIBICC or some other identifier. Most supplies that I've looked up have had the GTIN.

You can also download the entire database but it's in XML and I haven't found a good XML>XLS conversion program that can handle such a mass of data.

We have been exploring this for a while. The problem right now is that the GUDID is not stable or easily used. They having problems with version control, issuing new UDIs for every change even errors, clear field definitions, and many fields are not mandatory.

This is currently being addressed. I sat on a call Tuesday where the FDA, AHA, and AHRMM were taking input on how to handle changes.

Some of the reasons we have not added them in the item master are below.
The UDI is changed on an item for every edit that is occurring. This means that if there is an error on the record for an item then a new UDI is assigned when they correct the error. Additionally, catalog number is not required and not clearly defined; is it ref#, reorder#, or some other number. Some vendors that have multiple catalog numbers for the same items which is problematic.

Need resources or want to participate? Join the Learning UDI Community. You can just subscribe to get information and webinars or you can go further an join a work group to add your voice.
http://www.ahrmm.org/reso...ommunity/index.shtml