How should expired stock be handled according to standard Medical Stores procedures?

• A. Quarantine, document, dispose of per regulatory guidelines, and records updated.
• B. Keep in stock until end of month.
• C. Sell at discount to clear faster.
• D. Return to supplier for credit only.

Answer: (A)

Expired stock must be managed to prevent unsafe use and to meet regulatory requirements. The correct approach is to quarantine the items immediately, document the quarantine and the quantities, dispose of them according to regulatory guidelines, and update the records to reflect disposal. Quarantining stops any chance of these items being issued or used, while documentation creates a clear audit trail and accountability. Disposal according to approved methods ensures safety for people and the environment, and updating inventory records keeps stock levels accurate for future planning.

Keeping expired stock in inventory until a later date risks accidental distribution and violates standard procedures. Selling expired products is not appropriate because they are unsafe for patient use and typically prohibited. Returning expired stock to the supplier for credit is not a reliable or standard remedy in many systems, since disposal and proper record-keeping are required to close out expired items.