What is the significance of expiration dating and how should it be managed in service delivery?

• A. Only removes expired items.
• B. Rotates stock; updates records; and adjust procurement plans to minimize expiries.
• C. Ensures potency and safety; rotate stock, remove expired items, update records, and adjust procurement plans to minimize expiries.
• D. Has no impact on service delivery.

Answer: (C)

Expiration dating marks when a product may lose potency or safety, so managing it correctly is essential to protect patients and maintain quality of service. The best approach combines several key actions: rotate stock so that items with the earliest expiry are used first, remove and segregate any expired items to prevent accidental dispensing, keep accurate records of expiry dates and stock levels, and adjust procurement plans to minimize future expiries by aligning orders with actual demand and shelf-life. This integrated practice preserves potency and safety, reduces waste, and supports reliable, compliant service delivery. The other options miss important elements: removing expired items alone doesn’t address ongoing rotation or procurement planning; rotating stock or updating records alone don’t ensure safety and potencies; and saying there’s no impact ignores regulatory and patient-safety requirements.