Identification keys in healthcare

There are several identification keys used in healthcare. Some standards are the same as those found in retail, but some have specific applications for healthcare where patients' lives matter.

GS1 standards are open, global, proven and simple.

  • Open, technology-independent standards enable full interoperability and compatibility. End users are not tied to proprietary solutions and R&D resources can be released for other value-added developments once standards are adopted.
  • Healthcare is by nature a global industry, with supply chains that often cross borders. A globally standardised traceability system, from production to patient treatment, is imperative to meet the increasing regulatory requirements for product traceability around the world. In the case of cross-border trade, a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) can be used to identify that product in any country without any restrictions or errors.
  • The GS1 system is one that has proven its robustness over the past 30+ years in various sectors worldwide.
HC Supply Chain

Here is the list of standards used for identification in the healthcare sector.

GTIN HC

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) - Product codes

Do I need to allocate a new GTIN if I change my packaging or make any changes to my product?

Check the specific GTIN allocation rules for the healthcare sector or download the guide.

Learn more about GTINs

GLN HC

Global Location Number (GLN) - Location codes

How can I identify legal entities, such as a hospital, a supplier, a pharmacy or physical entities like the operating theatre, a warehouse with a GLN?

View the implementation guide

Learn more about GLNs

SSCC HC

Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) - Pallets with product codes

How to create identification numbers for pallets of products?

Learn more about SSCCs

GIAI HC

Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) - Assets with codes

How can you uniquely identify and manage assets such as wheelchairs or beds?

Learn more about GIAIs

GRAI HC

Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) - Logistic carrier codes

How do you create identification numbers for pallets, crates and other reusable carriers?

Learn more about GRAIs

GSRN HC

Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) & Service Relation Instance Number (SRIN) - Relationship codes

How can you uniquely identify your relationships with individual service providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) and individual service clients (patients)?

Learn more about GSRNs
Learn more about SRINs

UDI HC

Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

What is UDI? Which standards should be used for it?

Find out more about UDIs

GMN HC

Global Model Number (GMN) - Product model codes

How to identify a product model or family?

Learn more about GMNs

GDTI HC

Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI) - Document codes

How can I identify documents?

Meer weten over GDTI's