GS1 Standards at use in the Healthcare sector

GS1 Standards enable the realisation in the Healthcare sector of all health and economic benefits related to automatic identification, traceability, and data synchronisation.

The GS1 System of Standards includes:

  • GS1 Identification Keys: numbering schemas for products, locations, patients, caregivers, and assets
  • GS1 BarCodes: several types of bar code, linear and 2-dimensional, for use by GS1 members depending on the application
  • GS1 EPCglobal: supporting the use of radio frequency identification
  • GS1 GDSN: ensuring global data synchronisation and accurate product data across supply chain partners
  • GS1 eCom: supporting electronic document interchange technologies

Healthcare specific standards already ratified:

  • GTIN Allocation Rules for Healthcare
  • Global Traceability Standard for Healthcare
  • EPCglobal Pedigree Messaging Standard
  • GDSN Trade Item Extension: Healthcare
  • Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) Application Standard, which provides a common set of data and data carriers for medical products at every packaging level, including specific guidance on selection and use of product identification keys, additional product and production data [for example; lot number, expiration date, and/or serial number (where applicable)], and data carriers
  • Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) Application Standard for Small Instruments, which specifically covers the marking of surgical instruments to enable traceability throughout the instrument reprocessing cycle, and in particular to and from the sterilisation department.

    These standards are all an integral part of the GS1 General Specifications, the core standards document of the GS1 System, which can be obtained from your local GS1 Member Organisation.

Implementation Guidelines:

  • AIDC Healthcare Implementation Guide, providing guidance for using GS1 keys in a Healthcare environment along with; procedures for recognising if additional data is required for types of products, needs for traceability, and marking requirements.
  • GLN in Healthcare Implementation Guide, a general guide for the implementation of GLNs in healthcare and as a guide this document: assists the reader in understanding; what is a GLN, how are GLNs applied/used, the GLN data structure, and steps for implementing GLNs.
  • Bar Coding Plasma Derivatives Implementation Guide, to enable a safe and efficient delivery control process for plasma derivatives and traceability ‘from vein to vein’.

Roadmap for other Healthcare specific standards under development

GS1 Standards are open, global, proven and simple.

  • Open, technology-independent standards permit full interoperability and compatibility. End users are not locked into proprietary solutions and R&D resources can be released up for other added value developments once standards have been adopted.
  • Healthcare is by nature a global sector, with supply chains that often cross borders. A global standardised system for traceability, from product manufacture to patient treatment, is imperative to comply with the increasing legal requirements for product traceability around the world. In cases of cross border trading, a global trade item number (GTIN)) can be used to identify that product in any country without any restrictions or errors.
  • The GS1 System of Standards is a system that has proven its robustness over the last 30+ years in different sectors worldwide.
  • Standards must be simple to be useable by all players in the supply chain and not give undue advantage to certain players through complexity.