Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

How long are records to be kept on equipment calibration and maintenance?

1. For five years

2. For the life time of equipment

3. For the duration of the warranty

4. For three years after disposal

The correct answer is: For the life time of equipment

The requirement for keeping records of equipment calibration and maintenance for the lifetime of the equipment is rooted in ensuring continuous compliance with quality standards and safety requirements. This practice allows pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to demonstrate that they have consistently maintained their equipment in a reliable and accurate manner. Retention of records for the lifetime of the equipment means that should any issues arise, such as product recalls or complaints, there is a comprehensive trail of how the equipment was maintained and calibrated over the years. This is crucial for both traceability and accountability within the pharmacy setting. Other options suggest shorter retention periods, which do not offer the same level of thorough documentation for ongoing equipment use and safety. Records remaining only for a specified span, such as five years or three years post-disposal, would not capture the entire history of the equipment's usage and maintenance. Meanwhile, retaining records only until the warranty expires could leave unaddressed issues that emerge later in the equipment's life, undermining the pharmacy's operational integrity.