By Mark Johnson, RPh

WHILE TABLETOP UNIT DOSE PACKAGING machines can automate the packaging and bar coding of tablets and capsules, they are not capable of packaging and bar coding ampules, vials, syringes, and other oddly shaped or oversized items. To get the full value from your bar coding initiatives, it is important that all medications leaving the pharmacy be bar coded. As such, tabletop over-wrapping machines can be an important component of a pharmacy bar coding system.

A tabletop over-wrapping machine’s software can operate on a nearby PC, and it is typically very easy to use. At the PC, a pharmacist or technician scans or enters the bulk-stock container’s NDC number, and the data from that number populates the software fields. The overwrapping machine is then set to print the correct bar code directly on the over-wrap.

To package and bar code items, an operator feeds a thread of bags through the device, and the internal air source blows the bag open, allowing the operator to feed the item into the bag. The machine then heat-seals the bag. The operator can control the device’s packaging speed by choosing an automatic setting or using a foot pedal. There are various bag sizes to choose from, but my pharmacy typically uses 3-by-4-inch bags. The bar codes and medication information on the outside of the bags prints clearly, but I would suggest test scanning the bar code to make sure it is readable before sending the medication to the nursing unit or pharmacy storage.

The recipient of a BS in pharmacy from the University of Utah, Mark Johnson, RPh, serves as the director of pharmacy for Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah. He has worked at that hospital for 33 years.