CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

What is the purpose of matching the NDC on the medication to the prescription label?

1. To track inventory

2. To prevent errors in dispensing

3. To ensure patient privacy

4. To facilitate billing

The correct answer is: To prevent errors in dispensing

Matching the National Drug Code (NDC) on the medication to the prescription label is primarily intended to prevent errors in dispensing. The NDC serves as a unique identifier for each medication, which includes specific details about the drug such as the manufacturer, formulation, and packaging. By ensuring that the NDC on the medication matches the NDC on the prescription label, pharmacy technicians help confirm that the correct medication is being dispensed to the patient. This practice is crucial in minimizing the risk of medication errors, which can lead to serious health consequences. Ensuring the accuracy of this information supports the safety and well-being of patients by providing an additional layer of verification before the medication is provided. While tracking inventory, ensuring patient privacy, and facilitating billing are important aspects of pharmacy operations, they are not the primary reason for verifying the NDC in this context. The focus here is strictly on safeguarding patient health by preventing any potential mix-ups with medications.