Indicators of quality problems:

Products of different types show damage in different ways. Some indicators you can use to detect damage are-

All products

- broken or ripped packaging (vials, bottles, boxes, etc.)
- missing, incomplete, or unreadable label(s)

Liquids

- discoloration
- cloudiness
- sediment
- broken seal on bottle
- cracks in ampoule, bottle, or vial
- dampness or moisture in the packaging

Light-sensitive products (such as x-ray film)

- torn or ripped packaging

Latex products

- dry
- brittle
- cracked

Lubricated latex products

- sticky packaging
- discolored product or lubricant
- stained packaging
- leakage of the lubricant (moist or damp packaging)

Pills (tablets)

- discoloration
- crumbled pills
- missing pills (from blister pack)
- stickiness (especially coated tablets)
- unusual smell

Injectables

- liquid does not return to suspension after shaking

Sterile products (including IUDs)

- torn or ripped packaging
- missing parts
- broken or bent parts
- moisture inside the packaging
- stained packaging

Capsules

- discoloration
- stickiness
- crushed capsules

Tubes

- sticky tube(s)
- leaking contents
- perforations or holes in the tube

Foil packs

- perforation(s) in packaging

Chemical reagents

- discoloration

Damaged products should never be issued to facilities or dispensed to clients. If you are not sure if a product is damaged, check with someone who knows. Do not issue or dispense products that you suspect are damaged.

Report any defects and send the defective products back to the facility that issued them to you.

If an inspector visits your facility, report any problems to him or her.

See section 5 on waste management for additional information.