# Item-Identifier Digits

The string of digits to the left of the partition-identifier (in a *short format* [SCTID](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-ct-specifications/snomed-ct-release-file-specification/appendices/appendix-b.-specification-reference-information/s/sctid-data-type)) or to the left of the namespace-identifier (in a *long format* SCTID) is referred to as the *item-identifier*.

These values are available to uniquely identify an individual entity within the specified partition or namespace. The same *item-identifier* can be allocated in each partition of each namespace as the SCTID is rendered unique by the partition-identifier and the namespace-identifier. For components in the International Release of SNOMED CT, *item-identifiers* will usually be issued in the arbitrary order in which components are added to SNOMED Clinical Terms. However, due to management of the editing process the sequence of issued *item-identifiers* may be discontinuous.

{% hint style="danger" %}
CAUTION: In all cases, the value of an *item-identifier* on its own is meaningless. The only way to determine the meaning of an SCTID is by looking up the complete value in an appropriate distribution file.
{% endhint %}

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