PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Order Entry and ProcessingMedium
A pharmacy uses a 'first-in, first-out' (FIFO) inventory management system. A shipment of a new medication arrives with an expiration date of 03/2025. The current stock of the same medication has an expiration date of 08/2025. Where should the new shipment be placed?
- AIn front of the current stock.
- BIn a separate, designated area.
- CBehind the current stock.
- DIn a return bin for expired medication.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. In front of the current stock.
FIFO prioritizes dispensing items with the earliest expiration dates first. Even though the new shipment arrived later, its earlier expiration date means it should be placed in front of the existing stock to be dispensed first.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is not necessary for standard inventory management if the product is identical.
- C. This would violate FIFO, as the earlier expiring product would be dispensed after the later expiring one.
- D. The medication is not expired; it has an expiration date in the future.
FIFO (First-In, First-Out)
An inventory management method where the oldest stock (or stock with the earliest expiration date) is sold or used first.
- Reduces waste from expired medications.
- Not always based on arrival date, but expiration date.
- Common in pharmacies and food industries.
Memory trick: First Expire, First Out, No Doubt!