FDA considering medical tracking system.

Under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Amendments Act of 2007, which became law last September, the FDA is looking at requiring manufacturers of medical supplies to apply unique device identifiers (UDI), such as RFID technology, to individual items in order to track them along the supply chain. The law directs the FDA to establish a labeling system on medical devices ranging from latex gloves to infusion pumps. The UDI system must be able to identify the equipment and supplies throughout every stage of the supply chain, from distribution to use. The law does not mandate any specific technologies, nor does it specify a deadline, however, the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health is developing draft regulations to implement the new requirements.