Querying Unique Device Identifier (device/udi.json)

GUDID device identification records. This guide shows how to filter that dataset through openFDA.

Illustration for Unique Device Identifier openFDA guide

What this endpoint does

Unique Device Identifier lives at device/udi.json. GUDID device identification records. openFDA returns everything as JSON with a meta block (hit counts, disclaimers) and a results array.

Who uses it

Regulatory consultants and biomedical engineers query device endpoints when tracking 510(k) clearances, PMA decisions, or malfunction reports. Product descriptions vary wildly in length.

Example request

Paste this into a browser or our Explorer (swap the search term as needed):

GET https://api.fda.gov/device/udi.json?search=brand_name:defibrillator&limit=5

You should see JSON with meta.results.total telling you how many matches exist.

Searching the data

Start with search=brand_name:defibrillator in our Explorer or your own HTTP client. Each endpoint documents its own field list on open.fda.gov. Common knobs: limit (how many rows), skip (offset for paging), sort (field:asc or field:desc), and count (aggregate unique values).

Tips that save time

Wrap exact phrases in quotes inside the search parameter. Use count=field.exact when you want top values instead of raw rows.

  • limit — usually capped at 1,000 per call
  • skip — walk through large result sets
  • count=some_field.exact — quick frequency tables

Before you rely on this data

openFDA Explorer is an independent website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA public data is useful for research and general interest. It is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your health. openFDA data may be incomplete or reported voluntarily — treat it as a starting point, not a verdict.

Try it in the Explorer

Run a live search on device/udi.json — we forward the query to openFDA and show you the JSON.

Open in Explorer