Are you planning to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), but are confused about what the PTCB order entry and processing section is all about? Wondering what to expect from the PTCB order entry and processing part?
Worry not! In this article, you will learn more about what to expect from the PTCB order entry and processing section and some tips to improve your accuracy as a pharmacy technician.
PTCB Order Entry and Processing
The PTCB Order Entry and Processing section makes up about 26.25% of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) questions. Out of the 4 PTCB exam sections in the PTCB exam, this section has the third-highest amount of weight.
The PTCB exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Out of these 90 questions, only 80 questions are scored. The candidates are given about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete the PTCB exam.
Here are some of the subdomains of the PTCB order entry and processing section:
| S.NO | ORDER ENTRY AND PROCESSING |
| 1. | Procedures to compound non-sterile products. |
| 2. | Sig codes, formulas, allegations, calculations, ratios, medical terminology, dosages, abbreviations, concentration, and quantity. |
| 3. | Supplies required for drug administration. |
| 4. | National Drug Code (NDC), lot numbers, and expiration dates. |
| 5. | Procedures for identifying and returning dispensable, non-dispensable, and expired supplies and medications. |
The PTCB Exam Order Entry and Processing Section
COMPOUNDING NON-STERILE PRODUCTS
Compounding non-sterile products refers to the preparation process of any product that does not meet the standards for sterile compounding. This also includes other things such as wearing Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) and ensuring a hygienic workspace before starting the preparation process.
The procedure to prepare a compound may vary depending on the type of compound, but they all have a few general steps to follow. The general steps include creating formulas, washing hands, wearing PPE, having hardware supplies, measuring ingredients using appropriate measuring tools, combining all the ingredients, and labeling them.
Compounding non-sterile products include preparing ointments, enemas, liquids, mixtures, emulsions, and suppositories.
NUMERIC DETAILS
Calculations are an essential part of preparing non-sterile products. Calculations are used to determine the exact amount required to make the final product of correct strength. Most of the prescriptions are written in percentage strengths, which can lead to confusion at times.
The PTCB order entry and processing section also includes numeric details, such as formulas, ratios, allegations, proportions, conversions, abbreviations, sig codes, medical terminology, and symbols for quantity, supply, concentration, dilutions, and dosages.
SUPPLIES FOR DRUG ADMINISTRATION
The next subdomain in the PTCB order entry and processing section is the equipment and supplies for drug administration. There are a few types of specific equipment and supplies required to facilitate drug delivery and the administration of drugs.
This equipment and supplies help pharmacy technicians offer services to the patients in an accurate and effective manner. Some of the supplies and equipment required for drug administration includes diabetic supplies, unit dosage, package size, oral, spacers, and injectable syringes.
NUMBERS
As a pharmacy technician, numerical details play a vital role on a daily basis. The numerical information on medication can help you gain important information, such as when and where the medication was manufactured, and when the expiration date of the medication is.
The above-mentioned numeric information can be found in the National Drug Code (NDC) numbers. Numeric details in the PTCB order entry and processing section include expiration dates, lot numbers, and National Drug Code (NDC) numbers.
Inventory Management
Inventory management in the PTCB order entry and processing section includes identifying and returning dispensable, non-dispensable, and expired drugs and supplies. It also includes the return to stock, credit return, and reverse distribution.
DISPENSABLE AND NON-DISPENSABLE SUPPLIES
Dispensable drugs or supplies are drugs that are unopened and in good condition. These stocks can be returned for credit. Non-dispensable supplies or drugs include drugs that are opened and dispensed to patients. These stocks can not be returned for credit.
SUPPLIES TO BE RETURNED
To maintain a proper inventory of medications, it is necessary to identify supplies or drugs to be returned, which also includes identifying stocks to be returned, as well as checking the expiration date for the supplies or drugs in your inventory.
As a pharmacy technician, you need to perform monthly shelf checks to keep track of your medication inventory.
Tips to Improve Accuracy as a Pharmacy Technician
As a pharmacy technician, you will have many responsibilities in the pharmacy assisting the pharmacist or attending to patients. Accuracy of details plays a vital role in the life of a pharmacy technician on a daily basis. It is essential to maintain your accuracy in all the tasks you perform at a pharmacy.
Let’s now discuss some of the tips that can help you improve your accuracy as a pharmacy technician.
- When you are at work it is important to stay focused. Do not let yourself be distracted when you perform tasks.
- Make sure to understand the prescription order before processing the order and delivering it to the patient.
- Equip yourself with computer skills. This helps you work more efficiently to input orders and patient details.
- Maintain a proper medicine inventory. Keep a track of the medicines in stock and medications that need to be stocked.
- Make sure to have a proper workflow and a fixed verification process. Verifying and double-checking your orders before delivery helps you ensure your accuracy.
- Do not hesitate to read important information more than once. This can help you ensure your accuracy of work.
- Another way to improve your accuracy at work is by seeking the help of your pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist to check the filled prescriptions before delivering them to the patient.
- Make sure to check and verify the prescription details and patient details before you deliver the prescription order.
Wrapping Up
As a pharmacy technician, you need to be good at order entry and processing. Pharmacy technicians work in a fast-paced environment, so you need to equip yourself to work in this type of environment. It is also necessary to maintain the utmost accuracy as you perform your daily tasks as a pharmacy technician.
You can check our articles about PTCB Medications, PTCB Federal Requirements, and PTCB Patient Safety and Quality Assurance to learn more about the PTCB exam.
If you are passionate about taking the PTCE, you can check out our free practice test to take your exam preparation to the next level. You can also check our PTCB study guide to learn more about the PTCB exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct order to process a prescription?
There are about 5 steps involved in the prescription filling process. These steps are as follows:
- Enter the inputs and do initial checking.
- Therapeutic checking.
- Preparation of the prescription order.
- Technical checking.
- Deliver to and educate the patient.
What is the medication order entry and fill process?
The medication order entry process involves steps, such as reviewing a patient’s prescription and inputting prescription details into the system. The medication order filling process involves steps, such as checking and balancing the system and performing various other preparations.
How long does it take to get PTCB results?
Generally, it takes around two to three weeks for candidates to get their official score results from the PTCB exam.
