CVS Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

Why is understanding NDC numbers critical?

1. To verify pharmacy hours

2. To confirm medication authenticity

3. To evaluate patient age

4. To determine dosage forms

The correct answer is: To confirm medication authenticity

Understanding NDC (National Drug Code) numbers is critical primarily because they play a vital role in confirming the authenticity of medications. Each NDC number uniquely identifies a specific drug product, including its manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and packaging. This unique identification helps pharmacy technicians ensure they are dispensing the correct medication to patients. By validating the NDC, technicians can also detect counterfeit medications or prevent the use of expired or recalled products, thereby safeguarding patient health. The NDC is essential for inventory management, billing, and insurance processing as well, but its foremost significance lies in ensuring the medication's validity and integrity. Other options, while relevant in a pharmacy context, do not capture the primary purpose of the NDC numbers. They may address different aspects of pharmacy operations, but they do not relate to the core function of verifying medication authenticity as effectively as understanding NDC numbers does.