How many times must you check the pharmacy label against the MAR when preparing medication?

When preparing medication, the correct procedure involves checking the pharmacy label against the Medication Administration Record (MAR) three times to ensure safety and accuracy. This method is known as the "three-check system," which is a fundamental best practice in medication administration.

The first check occurs when you retrieve the medication from the storage area. You verify the label against the MAR to confirm that you have the correct medication. The second check is performed after you have prepared the medication, where you again compare the label with the MAR to ensure that the dosage and form are correct. Finally, the third check is done just before administering the medication to the patient, ensuring that it matches the MAR once more.

This thorough verification process helps prevent medication errors, as it provides multiple opportunities to catch any discrepancies. The practice reinforces the importance of diligence in medication administration and promotes patient safety by ensuring the right medication, in the right dose, is given to the right person at the right time.