EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management GMDN

The plot thickens!

But I'm starting another thread on this one, Malcolm ... as we're getting a bit (way) off "GMDN" here.

ECRI used to allow a free download of the current UMDNS. Now I see this is by paid subscription only.

What are you actually in need of, Angus ... how deep do you need to go?

By the way, you do know that GMDN and UMDNS are different, I hope?

When it comes to allocating UMDNS codes, I believe that the equipment manufacturer is supposed to do that; but don't quote me.

As I have made clear in various threads on this and similar topics over the years - I am not a great fan of any of the so-called "global" codes.

Yes; you're right - ECRI used to be "not for profit".

If you are being asked to go deeper (beyond basic codes), rather than reinventing the wheel, you could try using ARTG* codes.

See this site ... try searching for electrocardiograph for example. Note that you can save (export) search results to .xls.

Meanwhile, how about yet another code-base ... take a look at UNSPSC** ... and try entering electrocardiograph in the Code Name field.

* Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
** United Nations Standard Products and Services Code

Note that UNSPSC is associated with GS1 (formerly the Uniform Code Council) - another one that has become popular. Yes; there's money in codes!

But UNSPSC is not too bad, as (at least) it uses an hierarchical (8-digit) structure.

Thanks for the info Geoff. Your input is, as always, invaluable.

You're very kind, Angus ... but I'm really just pleased that you haven't asked about EUDAMED (or even, EDMA).

That's the thing about codes ... like ideas, they're everywhere; you just need to choose the one most suited to your needs.

On that tack, perhaps if you offered a clue or two about what it is you're trying to achieve, then maybe I (and/or others) may be able to assist you further!

But bear in mind that "GMDN, the de facto global standard for identifying the world’s millions of medical devices, has been made freely available to all users for the first time on 1st April 2019" (see the GMDN Agency website) ... and that the MHRA recommends its use!