Which steps are involved in a quality check of incoming medicines?

• A. Verify packaging; check expiry date and batch; confirm labeling; inspect for damage; compare with PO; assess storage requirements; sample testing if needed.
• B. Only verify packaging.
• C. Check only the price on the PO.
• D. Inspect packaging and assume expiry dates are correct.

Answer: (A)

Quality checks for incoming medicines involve a set of checks that verify identity, integrity, and suitability for storage and use. Start with packaging integrity and tamper-evidence; this helps ensure the product hasn’t been opened or contaminated in transit. Next, check the expiry date and batch to confirm the stock is current and traceable, which is crucial for patient safety and for recalls if needed. Verify labeling to ensure the correct drug name, strength, dosage form, manufacturer, and batch/lot information so the right product is identified and dispensed. Inspect for any physical damage to packaging or the medicine itself, since damage can compromise potency or sterility. Compare what arrived with the purchase order to confirm you received the exact item, correct quantity, and intended supplier, preventing substitutions or errors. Assess storage requirements, such as temperature and humidity needs, to maintain stability and effectiveness while in stock. If required or appropriate, perform sampling or testing to confirm identity, potency, sterility, or other quality attributes.

Relying only on packaging, or only on the price on the PO, or assuming expiry dates are correct would miss essential safety and quality checks and could lead to dispensing unsafe or unsuitable medicines.