Nomenclature classification of medical devices: what is it and why is it needed?

In modern medicine, techniques and products play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients. The efficiency and safety of medical practice largely depend on the correct selection, identification and management of MI. Classification of medical devices is a system that organizes and structures information about different types of techniques, facilitating the recording, control and optimization of their use. In this article we will consider the meaning of nomenclature classification, its main elements and its role in ensuring efficiency and health.

Nomenclature grouping of MI is a systematic organization of products, which is based on splitting them into different types and categories depending on their functional characteristics, purpose and field of application. It helps to systematize information on equipment, makes it more accessible and understandable for medical personnel and administration of health care institutions. In addition, such sorting helps to simplify the process of accounting and control, as well as to optimize the planning of procurement and maintenance of MI.

For this ranking, a special classifier of medical devices is used, which contains a list of all types of MI and establishes their codes. This systematizer is developed by national or international organizations and regulatory bodies in the field of health care. It takes into account the features of each type of product, its purpose, application and special requirements for safety and quality. The type code of the nomenclature classification of medical devices is used to uniquely identify each MI and simplify the process of its processing and accounting in health information systems. It is also taken into account in the registration process and is filled in in the submitted application (lcs-kz).

An important aspect of categorization is the formation of a common nomenclature that includes all MI and MT available on the market and their types. This allows to ensure completeness and reliability of information about MI, which is important for making informed decisions when selecting optimal products for specific tasks. The most well-known international classification system is GMDN (Global Medical Device Nomenclature). Established in 1992, it provides standardized codes that help identify and categorize MIs based on their characteristics and functions. The codes consist of numbers and letters and represent a hierarchical grouping system. They include seven different levels, ranging from general classes to more specific subclasses. This allows the exact type, purpose and features of each medical product to be identified. Kazakhstan has implemented a similar GMDN-based system called NMIRC. The system was developed in 2017 and approved by orders of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Classifier of medical devices is also continuously updated and supplemented to reflect new technologies, developments and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the codification system is relevant and up-to-date.

Each type of medical device in the system has its own unique characteristics and requirements for safety and quality. For example, the catalog may include the following categories: diagnostic equipment (ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, and others), surgical instruments (knives, forceps, threads, and others), furniture (beds, tables, and others), consumables (syringes, gloves, masks, and others), etc. Nomenclature classification of medical devices by type allows you to study each product in more detail and identify its application and target audience. For this purpose, this code is requested when it passes through Registration of medical devices. This allows experts to best define product requirements and allows them to navigate the necessary standards.

In addition, triage is essential for streamlining and standardizing the procurement and record-keeping process. It makes it easier for health-care facilities to assess the need for different types of equipment and helps to plan procurement and maintenance budgets efficiently. With a standardized coding and identification system, products can be quickly and accurately recognized, helping to reduce the time required to process and record information.

However, it is important to note that nomenclature should not be considered a closed and limited list. In medicine, new technologies and developments are constantly emerging, as well as the needs of patients and medical institutions are changing. Therefore, such a nomenclature classifier of medical devices should be flexible and constantly updated to reflect new changes and needs.

The ranking of medical products plays an important role in ensuring efficiency and health. It standardizes and organizes information on MI, facilitates record-keeping and control, and helps to plan procurement and maintenance effectively. However, to ensure the relevance and completeness of the classification, it is necessary to constantly update and supplement the nomenclature list in accordance with the development of medicine and technology. This is the only way to maximize the productivity of medical practice and improve patient care.