Which protocol must a hospital pharmacy follow to possess pharmaceutical manufacturer's drug samples?

A hospital pharmacy must follow the protocol that dictates the storage of pharmaceutical manufacturer's drug samples separately from regular stock. This requirement is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, separating drug samples helps prevent any accidental dispensing of these samples as if they were part of the standard inventory. Since samples are typically provided for promotional purposes or clinical trials and may not meet the same guidelines as regular pharmaceuticals available for dispensing, having them stored separately ensures that they can be tracked appropriately and managed under specific regulations.

Additionally, this practice aligns with legal and ethical standards governing the distribution and use of pharmaceutical samples. Storing samples in a designated and secure area facilitates better inventory control, minimizes the risk of misuse or diversion, and maintains compliance with licensing and accreditation requirements of the pharmacy. Such measures are important for patient safety and for upholding the integrity of pharmacy operations.