UK Company Develops Versatile Track-and-Trace Technology for Healthcare Market

Innomech, which specialises in the development of advanced automation systems, is helping to develop a low-cost way to uniquely mark healthcare products and improve product traceability. The technique not only will enable rapid identification and resolution of quality-related issues but it can serve as an anticounterfeiting tool because the coding and validation systems are almost impossible to copy, according to the firm.

Currently most components within diagnostic kits, medical devices and other healthcare products and equipment are stamped with a lot code at the point of manufacture. These codes are of limited use for quality improvement unless products are produced in very small batches, says the company. As a result, regulatory bodies are urging manufacturers to invest in more-sophisticated traceability systems. Meanwhile, manufacturers are looking for more effective ways to staunch the flow of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other healthcare products. Innomech claims that its approach will satisfy both parties.

The code mark is an unobtrusive 2-D dot matrix identifier that is linked to a database. The matrix code acts as a key to access more detailed information, such as the specific batch codes of raw materials used during production, the time of manufacture, the production line and so forth. A version of the database could be accessible online to allow anyone to verify the genuine nature of the item.

The codes can be printed or laser etched on almost any substrate and can even be added to the surface of pharmaceutical capsules or coated tablets. Matrix codes as small as 2 x 2 mm can hold code for up to 10 billion numbers. The codes can be read by widely available readers or, in many cases, from a picture taken with even the simplest camera phone, making them an effective partner in the fight against counterfeit medicines.

The technology fits in well with Innomech’s business of providing advanced automation and ensuring that high-risk areas are thoroughly investigated through feasibility studies, says the company. Sourcing a laser type that is suitable for a given product and that can be used as part of an overall automation system is a key area of investigation.

Innomech says that it is working with several clients to help adjust their manufacturing processes to incorporate this new technology.

Holograms are also being recruited to combat counterfeiters in the medical technology arena. Read Holograms Tackle Counterfeiting to learn how track-and-trace holographic technology allows a medical device to be tracked through the many layers of the distribution chain via data linked to an enterprise resource planning system.

Tags: Innomech, Track-and-Trace