Product identification
Supply chain and device identification
Overview
Medtronic uses the GS1 standards for product identification and follows the GS1 Healthcare GTIN Allocation Rules®. We use the GS1-128 barcode format on product packaging to meet global unique device identifier (UDI) requirements, support healthcare operational needs, and manage the distribution controls at Medtronic.
Barcode format
Our GS1-128 barcode format contains standard product identification including the product Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and other GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) on labels on our product packaging. Medtronic is incorporating the AI (20) internal product variant data field into barcodes for most Medtronic products. Using the AI (20) for our internal distribution controls allows us to significantly reduce GTIN changes for the life of a product.
Barcode sample:
Test your systems
Testing is the only way to ensure your barcode scanning systems read and capture barcode data correctly. We strongly recommend testing our barcode with the AI (20) internal product variant to confirm your scanner reads and captures accurate data in your supply chain inventory management and electronic medical record systems.
Frequently asked questions
Many customers asked us to introduce fewer GTINs if possible. Medtronic is expanding its use of the AI (20) data field to manage internal distribution controls. The AI (20) internal product variant helps us significantly reduce GTIN changes for the life of a product.
In addition to the primary linear barcode, some of our product labels include other product identification barcodes. For example, some barcodes appear on peel-off labels and are able to adhere to a paper patient record and includes the batch number. In addition, the customer facing number often appears as a REF barcode using GS1 AI (240).
We recommend you test our barcode format and check if your systems are successfully reading our barcodes and data is being accurately captured. We have provided a test barcode and protocol for our barcode format to assist you in testing your systems
GS1 standards
See how these standards drive supply chain efficiency, traceability, and accuracy.
GS1 GTIN standards
See how these standards drive supply chain efficiency, traceability, and accuracy.
Barcode testing
See how to test our label format with an additional field.
Unique device identification
See how our GS1 standard data fields align to meet regulatory requirements.
Contact us.
Find out more about barcode labels and scans.