Crash Cart Drug Expiry Sweep

Quarterly inspection for checking crash cart medication expiration dates, documenting replacements, and restoring cart seal after completion.

Inspection Details

• Crash cart identifier recorded
  Enter the cart number, unit name, or other unique identifier.
• Inspection date and time recorded
  Document when the quarterly drug expiry sweep was completed.
• Inspector name and role recorded
  Enter the name and title of the person completing the inspection.

Medication Expiration Review

• All crash cart medications checked against expiration dates
  Verify every stocked medication in the cart was reviewed for expiration status.
• No expired medications present in the cart
  Confirm there are no expired drugs remaining in the crash cart at completion of the sweep.
• Medication packaging intact and legible
  Check that labels are readable and packaging is not damaged, opened, or compromised.
• Controlled or high-alert medications verified per facility policy
  If applicable, confirm any controlled, high-alert, or separately tracked medications were verified according to local policy and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Medication count matches par level or cart inventory list
  Confirm the number of each medication matches the approved crash cart inventory list or par level.

Replacement Documentation

• Expired or removed medications documented
  List each medication removed from the cart, including drug name, strength, quantity, and reason for removal.
• Replacement medications documented
  Record the replacement medication name, strength, quantity, lot number if required by policy, and expiration date.
• Source of replacement verified
  Document where replacement medications were obtained from, such as pharmacy, stock room, or emergency supply.
• Variance or incident report initiated when required
  If expired or missing medications were found, confirm a variance, discrepancy, or incident report was initiated per facility policy.

Cart Restoration and Reseal

• All medications returned to assigned locations
  Confirm all verified medications were placed back in the correct drawer, tray, or compartment.
• Tamper-evident seal replaced after inspection
  Apply a new seal and record the seal number or identifier per facility procedure.
• Cart left in ready-for-use condition
  Confirm drawers are closed, contents are organized, and the cart is ready for emergency use.

Completion Signoff

• Inspection completed and signed off
  Inspector signature confirming the quarterly crash cart drug expiry sweep was completed accurately.
• Supervisor or pharmacy review completed if required
  Confirm any required secondary review or signoff was completed according to facility policy.