Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What is the unique identifier assigned to drugs for commercial distribution in the U.S.?

1. National Drug Code

2. Universal Product Code

3. Medication Identification Number

4. Drug Registration Number

The correct answer is: National Drug Code

The unique identifier assigned to drugs for commercial distribution in the United States is the National Drug Code (NDC). This code is a unique, three-segment identifier that is assigned to each drug formulation. The first segment indicates the labeler code, which identifies the manufacturer or distributor of the drug; the second segment specifies the product code, which identifies the specific strength and dosage form of the drug; and the third segment refers to the package code, indicating the size and type of the packaging. The NDC is critical for various purposes, including the regulation of drug products, inventory management, and ensuring accurate dispensing in pharmacies. It is also a crucial component in electronic health records and pharmacy management systems, facilitating better tracking and management of pharmaceuticals. In contrast, other options represent different concepts related to packaging and labeling but do not serve as the standard unique identifier for drugs. The Universal Product Code (UPC) is primarily used for retail products and not exclusive to drugs, the Medication Identification Number is not a standard term used in the industry, and the Drug Registration Number relates to regulatory processes rather than serving as a commercial identifier. Thus, the National Drug Code is the correct answer to indicate the unique identifier for drugs.