US
Pharm. 2006;2:84.
AutoMed recently introduced
the FastPak EXP, an expandable oral solid packaging and barcoding system. Able
to create up to 60 packages per minute, the FastPak EXP can be modified to
contain 128 to 320 canisters and has a "fill-to-light" exception tray to
handle less frequently used medications or half-tablets. Smart Canisters allow
the system to detect canister contents regardless of where canisters are
placed, update the medication database, and ensure dispensing of the correct
medication.
Designed for hospitals and
long-term care pharmacies, the FastPak EXP supports unit-based cabinets,
30-day boxes, first doses, and compliance packaging, as it can accommodate
standard- or narrow-width packaging. The system can customize all pouch
package labels with detailed patient and medication information as well as the
desired barcode format.
To reduce downtime, the
FastPak EXP uses an interchangeable packaging mechanism that allows users to
change packaging units in eight steps when problems occur. The system
automates the cart-fill, unit-based cabinet, or the nurse-serve replenishment
process and can stand alone or be integrated with other AutoMed systems,
including the Efficiency WorkPath System dispensing workflow software.
--Abigail Brugger and Jessica
Jannicelli, section editors
To comment on this article, contact editor@uspharmacist.com.
