South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

How is a DEA number checked for validity?

1. Add all digits together

2. Add 1st, 3rd, 5th digits; add 2nd, 4th, 6th digits then multiply

3. Just compare against a database

4. Each of the above separately

The correct answer is: Add 1st, 3rd, 5th digits; add 2nd, 4th, 6th digits then multiply

To verify the validity of a DEA number, a specific mathematical check involving the digits is performed, which makes option B the correct choice. The process for checking a DEA number consists of the following steps: 1. **Identify the digits**: A DEA number consists of two letters followed by seven digits. The first letter indicates the type of registrant (for example, 'A' is for a physician). 2. **Break down the digits**: You take the first, third, and fifth digits of the seven-digit sequence and sum them. Then, you take the second, fourth, and sixth digits, sum them, and multiply this sum by 2. 3. **Combine the totals**: You add the two results together. 4. **Check the last digit**: The last digit of the DEA number should match the last digit of the combined total from the previous step. If they match, the DEA number is valid. This structured approach is the basis for validating the authenticity of a DEA number. The other options do not accurately reflect the methodology necessary for the validation of DEA numbers. Simply adding all digits together or just comparing it against a database would not satisfy the specific validation requirements outlined. The validity check relies on a specific mathematical