FDA requires tracking codes on medical implants

Associated Press ^ | Sep 20, 2013 12:01 PM EDT | Matthew Perrone

[Olog-hai]

Federal health regulators will begin tracking millions of medical devices, from pacemakers to hip replacements, using a new electronic system designed to protect patients by catching problematic implants earlier.

The Food and Drug Administration published new rules Friday that require most medical devices sold in the U.S. to carry a unique code, identifying its make, manufacture date and lot number. The codes will be stored in a publicly accessible database to help regulators, doctors and companies monitor safety issues with devices.

The tracking system has been promoted by doctors and public safety advocates for years. Other industries, from food processors to automakers, have used unique identification codes to track their products through the supply chain for decades. …

[taxcontrol]

While I understand the need to track implants, I’m not very keen on the idea that the government is doing this. I’d rather see the requirement on the vendors and the government only take over if the vendors go out of business.

[dblshot]

medical devices sold in the U.S. to carry a unique code, identifying its make, manufacture date and lot number.
We'll need to remove that pacemaker Mr. Smith to check the serial number.

[svcw]

I don’t think IDs on implants is anew thing.
I have a bunch of titanium in my shoulder and each piece has a code (batch number, manufacture code).
Unless, this is about something else (which I missed)

[Olog-hai]

Sounds like it’s about FDA involvement, rather than industry alone, I think. They’re building their big database and whatnot.

[pabianice]

This will allow hospitals to send admitted patients directly to the correct Death Room.

[DaxtonBrown]

Actually, this is a way to track taxes on medical devices and whether they have been collected.

[NonValueAdded]

You could tattoo the serial numbers on the arm to facilitate tracking.

[corkoman]

this will have unintended consequences. Those who pushed this will not be held accountable for this.

[Vermont Lt]

It’s not new. I saw a movie last week where the breast implant serial numbers were used to identify a murder victim. And that story was from years ago.

[A_Tradition_Continues]

This policy has been in effect for decades. In addition to implantable devices it has been used in disposibles and other medical consummables.

[tsomer]

Actually, this is a way to track taxes on medical devices and whether they have been collected.

Oh yeah, that 3% tax on medical devices in Obamacare.

And did you catch this in the article:

"The codes will be stored in a publicly accessible database to help regulators, doctors and companies monitor safety issues with devices."

I see a great opportunity for blackmailing Democrats. Of course, they'll beat us to the punch. "Mr. so-and-so sports a penile implant, according to an unnamed source...Our reporters have confirmed..." (-future AP story)

So much for the right of privacy.

[The Antiyuppie]

“This will allow hospitals to send admitted patients directly to the correct Death Room.”

And, it’s a good way to identify recyclable parts.