Pharmacy and IV Therapy

Pharmacy Automation: Medication Packaging and Dispensing

Oral Unit or Multi-Dose Dose Drug Packaging

Unit Dose PLUS Outsource RePackaging Service

Medication Dispensing Automation

Automated Medication Carts:
Computer on Wheels, Med Dispensing and Point of Care

• Oral solids:

ATP - Series – Automatic Tablet Packager
Fully automated canister packaging for unit or multi-dose oral solid pouch packaging.

NEW ATP-71 – Automatic Tablet Packager – standalone tabletop version
Package your large volume items automatically.

AutoPrint
Automated strip packaging system that seals unit dose packages and prints labels utilizing direct thermal printing and custom software interface.

AutoPak II™ Automatic Feeder System
Canister system.

AutoPrint™ Bagging System
All-Electric Table Top with WinPak software. Load, print and seal your bag in one simple step!.

MediDose
A simple, flexible, manual, low cost, unit dose system that is ideal for specialty requirements (narcotics, night cupboard, expensive medications, extemporaneous preparations, large pills, etc).

MTS Blister Card Systems
Semi-automated and manual blister card packaging systems that fill, seal and label. A variety of medication card formats to meet clinical needs.

• Oral liquids:

Fluidose
The Fluidose automatically feeds, fills, seals and labels individual unit dose cups.

Pharm-Assist Automated Dispensing
The pump automatically dispenses pre-set volumes into plastic containers (ie. Tamp Alert) or oral syringes. Labelling is done on separate labeller using Autoprint software.

Pharmacy Accessory Label Printer
Ideal for labeling and barcoding of miscellaneous Pharmacy products.

TampAlert
Plastic containers in various sizes for packaging liquids, solids or powders in unit dose with tamper-evident seals. A computerized software labelling system is available.

Accessories

ATP - SERIES – AUTOMATIC TABLET PACKAGER

Reliable • easy to use • automated packaging

Healthmark is pleased to be the exclusive Canadian Distributor for TCGRx “Pharmacy Workflow Solutions” products.

The ATP - Series fully automated canister oral solid pouch packaging technologies outlined below incorporate the best of breed SANYO hardware and the latest in software platform innovation to improve safety, reliability and production efficiencies.

FEATURES
• Configurable cabinet to suit the individual pharmacy with options at 256, 320, or 384 oral solid medications.
• Quick and easy exchange of packaging
component allows for both narrow
cabinet packaging and wider multidose
packaging capability
• High dispensing speed with flexible
printing and barcode options
• easy filling and refilling of medications
• easy access for cleaning
• easy to use external tray
• Unique, value added pharmacy solutions to address everyday (packaging spooler systems and automated half-tab cutters).

SERVICE AND SUPPORT
• Trained service technicians located across Canada
• Professional 24 hour Call Center

"Spooler Device" see picture of unique, motorized automatic medication package take-up system that can be used with any competitive packager to eliminate messy accumulation of medication strips coming out of the machine. Spooled rolls can be transferred to the Pharmacy work area, Nursing floors for cabinet replenishment or even to alternate sites.

WHY CONSIDER TCGRx PACKAGING AUTOMATION?

Note: ATC-212, is a trademark of Automed, an AmerisourceBergen Company.
TCGRx is not affiliated in any way with Automed.

For more information on these and an expanding line of “Pharmacy Workflow Solutions” automation and products please visit our manufacturer website at www.tcgrx.com.

ATP-71 – AUTOMATIC TABLET PACKAGER – STANDALONE TABLETOP VERSION

Package your large volume items automatically

Fully automated “hands-free” canister technology has been developed as a table top packager at an affordable price to fully automate unit dose (non patient or ward specific) packaging. It is the first of its kind on the market to offer entry level automation for any size hospital or pharmacy.

AUTO-PRINT™

Auto-Print™ Unit Dose Packaging Machine
The MPI Auto-Print II Packaging System provides a complete bar coding packaging solution for oral solid medications. This high-performance, durable system, which was designed for simple maintenance and easy operation, will help to decrease packaging costs, increase operational efficiency and reduce medication errors.

Decrease Costs
• Packaging bulk medication into unit dose is more cost effective than buying products pre-packaged from the manufacturer.
• 12-month expiration from date of packaging extends the usable shelf life of medication.

Increase Efficiency
• Produces 60 packages per minute. Additional efficiency can be achieved by automating the filling of your large volume items with the AutoPak UDD Unit Dose Drug Dispenser. Accurate inventory control and maintenance of stock levels can be maintained through the sequential numbering feature.

Reduce/Eliminate Errors
• Barcode/Scan Check: Scanning bulk bottle before packaging verifies proper drug.
• Tall-man Lettering: Helps reduce “looks alike, sounds alike” errors.
• Colored Materials: 12 different colors are available for color coding of expiration dates and controlled medications. All colored materials qualify for light resistant packaging per the USP.

• Compatible with decentralized cabinets.
• Utilizes MPI’s WinPakUD software.
• Tested and approved for CE, CSA, ETL standards.
• One year limited warranty.

See a Live Demo.
Download a Printable Brochure.
Download a Fact Sheet.
Go to the Medpak-MPI website to learn more.
Go to the Healthmark Service Site for help with maintenance and repair.

Packaging Materials/Expendable Parts
Below are the most commonly used Autoprint packaging materials and associated items.  

Note: Contact Healthmark at 1-800-665-5492 for any information required on repair parts.

UDC, UDA

AUTOPAK II™ AUTOMATIC FEEDER SYSTEM
Canister system.

The AutoPak UDD automates the feeding of medications for packaging into unit dose. This is accomplished utilizing a Dispenser module that is added onto the Auto-Print II machine enabling the automatic feeding of your large volume meds through the use of precalibrated medication canisters.

• Improve Efficiency/Increase Productivity
Large packaging runs can tie a technician to the system for over eight minutes on a bottle of 500 tablets or capsules. The UDD dispenses medication automatically, thus freeing up pharmacy staff to focus on other tasks.

Unit Dose Dispenser (UDD)

AUTO-PRINT™ BAGGING SYSTEM (APBS)
All-Electric Table Top with WinPak software.

The Auto-Print™ Bagging System is a bar coding packaging solution for ampules, vials and syringes. This solution provides the capability of loading, printing, bar coding and sealing medications in a few simple steps, which helps to decrease packaging costs, increase operational efficiency and reduce medication errors.

Decrease Costs
• Automated loading, printing, bar coding and sealing in a minimal number of steps virtually eliminates mislabeled bagged products.

Increase Efficiency
• Technician easily drops ampoule, vial or syringe into blown open bag. Pressing a foot pedal seals and advances bag.
• Labeling and barcoding is done directly on bag; eliminating the need to manually place label on bag.
• Produces up to 30 bagged doses per minute
• Different bag sizes for all of your packaging needs
• All-electric – no pneumatic air required.

Reduce/Eliminate Errors
• Barcode/Scan Check: Scanning bulk bottle before packaging verifies proper drug.
• Tall-man Lettering: Helps reduce “looks alike, sounds alike” errors.

• Utilizes MPI’s WinPak Barcode Labeling Software
• One-year limited warranty.

See a Live Demo.
Download a Printable Brochure.
Download a Fact Sheet.
Go to the Medpak-MPI website to learn more.

MEDIDOSE
Manual, oral, unit dose packaging system provides for tamper evident, moisture resistant, UV inhibitant, low cost, simple and easy to use unit dose packaging. Medi-Dose provides pharmacy control and reduces medication error, wastage, pilferage and inventory costs. Computer label compatible.

Go to the Medi-Dose website to learn more.

MTS BLISTER CARD SYSTEMS

Manual, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated Blister Card Packaging Systems that can fill, seal and label. A variety of medication card formats to meet clinical needs.

Go to the MTS Packaging Systems website to learn more about the extensive range of blister technology options to meet your needs and then contact Healthmark for more information and pricing analysis.

FLUIDOSE™
The Fluidose Unit Dose Packaging System is an automated, bar coding packaging solution for unit dose oral liquids. This solution can decrease packaging costs, increase operational efficiency and reduce medication errors.

Decrease Costs
• Automatic packaging of bulk liquid medication into unit dose is more cost effective than buying product pre-packaged from the manufacturer.
• 12-month expiration from date of packaging extends the usable shelf life of medication.

Increase Operational Efficiency
• Produces up to 15 doses per minute depending on fill rate.
• Available in three different sizes (15ml, 25ml, and 35ml) and several colors to enable color coding of controlled medications. All materials qualify for light resistant packaging per the USP.

Reduce/Eliminate Errors
• Barcode/Scan Check: Scanning bulk bottle before packaging verifies proper drug.
• Tall-man Lettering - Helps reduce “looks alike, sounds alike” errors.

• Complies with JCAHO regulations on dispensing liquid medication.
• Utilizes MPI’s WinPakUD software.
• One year limited warranty.

See a Live Demo.
Download a Printable Brochure.
Download a Fact Sheet.
Go to the Medpak-MPI website to learn more.

Packaging Materials
Below are the most commonly used Fluidose packaging materials and associated items.  

PHARMACY ACCESSORY LABEL PRINTER (PALP)
Ideal for labeling and barcoding of miscellaneous Pharmacy products.

The Pharmacy Accessory Label Printer (PALP) is a bar coding packaging solution for ampules, vials and syringes. This solution can decrease packaging costs, increase operational efficiency and reduce or eliminate medication errors.

Decrease Costs
• Automatically, quickly and efficiently prints bar coded labels for ampules, vials and syringes.

Increase Efficiency
• Integrates with Flag and Tag Label - Label is easily removed from backing and applied to product in one swift motion.
• User-maintained product master file allows for quick recall of standard labels.
• Labels are all Freezer Grade.

Reduce/Eliminate Errors
• Four Different Size Labels Available.
• Barcode/Scan Check: Scanning bulk bottle before packaging verifies proper drug.
• Tall-man Lettering: Helps reduce “looks alike, sounds alike” errors.

• Utilizes MPI’s WinPak Barcode Labeling Software.
• One-year limited warranty.

Download a Printable Brochure.
Download a Fact Sheet.
Download the Flag Label System Brochure.
Go to the Medpak-MPI website to learn more.

 

TAMP-ALERT
Unit dose, tamper evident, leak proof packaging of liquids, solids or powders in a variety of sizes (15 to 120ml) and choice of clear or UV inhibitant and regular or child-resistant. Simple and cost effective.

Go to the Medi-Dose website to learn more.

Tamp-Alert™ Packaging System

TampAlerTape™
Tamper-evident tape with unique visual feature. Once applied and allowed to set, TampAlerTape™ can’t be removed or reapplied without immediate detection. Distinct “VOID OPENED” signature is invisible until tape is removed. Red, pressure sensitive residue remains on the applied surface.

Liquidose™ Labelling System
Tamper-evident (1” x 2 7/8”) to fit 15, 30 or 60ml vials; accommodates 5 lines of type, 30 characters per line; available sheet or continuous feed form computer compatible; computer program available.

ACCESSORIES
Press-in Bottle Adapters
Withdraw oral liquid medications from standard stock bottles into oral syringes. To use simply press adapter into bottle opening, attach oral syringe and withdraw medication. Available in four sizes to fit standard plastic bottle openings with secure fit and accurate dosing with no spills. Benefits: low cost, leakproof, can replace original cap back on bottle for storage, fits TampAlert unit dose containers..

UNIT DOSE PLUS OUTSOURCE REPACKAGING SERVICE

Healthmark is pleased to introduce the first Canadian fully integrated contract outsourcing of standard and customizable unit-dose, bar code ready packaging for oral solid and liquid medications – to support the implementation of bedside point-of care patient safety initiatives that enable Pharmacy personnel to focus activities on patient care. “Unit Dose PLUS” Outsource Repackaging Service enables Hospitals to purchase their unit dose oral solid and liquids in ready to use - unit dose (with custom label) format.

How does it work?
Simple – Your facility drop ships bulk container oral meds to our Unit Dose Packaging Centre and we return unit-dose, ready to use packages/syringes/cups/tamperproof containers, etc. specific to your label requirements and format.

Why consider unit dose outsource packaging?
• convert to full unit dose program without needing to set up or expand an internal packaging system
• overall cost-effectiveness
• supplement your internal unit dose packaging based on periodic or ongoing staffing shortages and limitations
• easier to add an up-charge to your drug budget than access capital budget or new labor headcount
• produce your more difficult to package oral liquids (or even powders) in unit dose (ie. Fluidose cups or oral syringes)
• minimal space allocation for packaging
• support increased involvement of Pharmacy professionals toward direct patient care through better resource allocation
• reduce/eliminate Hospital liability/insurance coverage in this high risk area
• Quality Assurance of the highest level through a focused packaging alternative
• Some products may have lower pricing than the Unit Dose Manufacturer product plus added benefit of customer specific labeling
• Clinical Trial Packaging in blister cards or other
• Unique Custom Packaging Requirements.

Next Generation Packaging Source
Many Hospitals struggle with the process of in-house unit-dose packaging due to capital cost restraints, labor allocation/staff shortage limitations, operational efficiencies to accomplish packaging, technical service issues/downtime, quality control issues, etc. reducing the time and resources available to focus on patient care initiatives. Healthmark’s Re-Packaging Service offers a viable alternative to in-house packaging.

In the United States there is a growing trend away from in-house drug packaging towards outsourcing from a qualified RePackager that provides unit-dose packages in formats specific to a Hospitals needs (ie. Hospital specific bar code and label format).

Hospitals are asking for the product to be delivered to them unit-dose ready to go!

Healthmark Expertise
Healthmark has marketed automated unit dose packaging equipment to Canadian Hospitals since 1991 with over 200 installations to date. With the ongoing input of Hospital Pharmacists we have developed and continue to evolve sophisticated “state of the art” unit dose barcode applicable packaging software that is used worldwide by our Unit-Dose Packaging Equipment Manufacturer and the US Repackagers.

Through close working relationships with leading US Unit-Dose RePackagers we have developed sophisticated Quality Assurance Control procedures. Healthmark’s “Unit-Dose PLUS” Packaging Centre is modeled on this proven concept and then designed to meet or exceed Health Canada requirements.

Customized label/barcode formats
We offer a standard label format or one that is modified to meet your requirements. We recognize the importance of patient safety and as such make every effort to follow safe practice guidelines and recommendations from ISMP-Canada (eg Tall Man lettering), CSHP and Health Canada. Since each Hospital may have their own unique requirements it is important that we provide unit dose packages that meet the individual Hospital’s requirements for label specifications, barcode format when/if applicable, etc. We accomplish this by working with customers to design a label of their choice which will go into our database and then be recalled to do that particular customer’s orders.

How much does it cost?
You pay a per unit dose charge for the packaging process and unit dose materials - it does not include the drug (you provide that). The pricing incorporates all of the normal costs that a Hospital incurs in doing their own internal unit dose packaging including material costs; packaging automation capital, amortization; technical service allocation; technician packaging and Pharmacy supervisory labor, etc as well as all aspects related to providing a stringent Quality Assurance Program.

Note: The unit package up charge is based on comparable normally accepted industry contract outsourcing cost parameters – low price/high volume efficient production.

Our goal is to offer the lowest cost while maintaining the high level of quality control necessary for a product of this nature.

Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is our number one consideration! We will not compromise! The Unit- Dose Packaging Centre is designed to meet or exceed the new 2006 Health Canada requirements for commercial drug packaging meeting cGMP and ISO standards for packaging and manufacturing. Incoming product is logged into our control system, then moved to a staging area where each medication is separated as a unique packaging job that is then moved to the appropriate product packaging station ensuring that only one drug at a time is packaged and labeled. Verification checking and monitoring systems are integrated at various levels. A comprehensive lot recall system is in place.

What about product quality and medication safety?
All oral solid packaging meets USP Class A and B specifications for moisture protection. Oral liquids undergo monitoring by weight and volume to ensure accuracy and consistency. A sophisticated software program and database platform along with a verification check system ensures accurate label and barcode registration and right drug with right label. Expiry dating is approved for whichever is less of one year or one half of the drug manufacturer expiry date.

Product quality and safety guarantee
Our outsource production customer agreements include a signed “Quality Agreement” document outlining our responsibilities and commitments to meet or exceed procedures and quality controls defined in Health Canada’s current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) for packaging and labeling of drugs.

What do you package?
Oral liquids: Oral syringes with standard/flag labels in tamper evident bags with easy perf, Fluidose™ plastic cups in 15, 25 or 35 mL fill sizes, TampAlert plastic vials in 15, 30, 60 or 100 mL fill sizes.

Oral solids: unit dose E-Z tear packages in single or strip format with Hospital (not patient) specific label information and choice of barcode (as applicable). We can also provide robot-ready packaging, blister card (ie. 30 day dose) and outpatient pre-packs.

Powders: 5,10 and 15 gram supplied in 35ml Fluidose cups and 30 gram in 60ml TampAlert vial (example: hypaque, sodium polystyrene sulfonate)

OverWrap: tamper sealed bags with printed label and bar code to handle miscellaneous unit dose products (ie. ampoules, vials, pre-filled syringes, patches, etc.)

Note: We do not package narcotics, penicillins or cephalosporins. We do package Oncology medications.

RePackaging turn around time
From receipt of bulk meds at our UD Packaging Centre to finished production out the door is generally 3-5 days.

Healthmark expects the trend to outsource unit dose packaging to grow significantly as a viable and even superior alternative to in-house packaging. Healthmark is ready to meet your requirements from small jobs to packaging for a large Hospital Region.

Call Healthmark for information and pricing.

Medication Dispensing Automation

With medDISPENSE technology Healthmark is able to offer an affordable, simple, secure and reliable automated dispensing solution. medDISPENSE flexibility enables a facility to select choices that work from stand alone Night Cupboard Solutions to fully automated conversions. medDISPENSE offers high capacity storage of floor medications to meet a facilities needs as well as budget. It has proven to be a leading choice of the smaller size Hospital, Corrections or Long Term Care facility with a large number of North American installations.

In order to learn more about what medDispense has to offer please access their website at: www.med-dispense.com

Call Healthmark to discuss your individual Hospital needs.

Although just beginning with Canadian installations we want to ensure you that we have a solid implementation and ongoing support program in place – including established Canadian Companies to service the hardware (Diebold), software (Computer Assistance) plus 24/7 phone service from the medDispense Customer Support Centre, and a dedicated and experienced installation team. Healthmark has experienced sales consultant personnel in the area of automated medication dispensing technology who can help assess your needs and make recommendations. We also have local sales representation and customer service and technical support from our main office to oversee and ensure your needs are being met.

The medDispense technology is a complement to Healthmark’s existing automated unit dose packaging solutions. We can now provide the unit dose packaging to go into the automated dispensing cabinets and then provide the cabinets to dispense it.

…providing the lowest cost, simplest system to use and maintain for automated unit dose packaging and dispensing.

Automated Medication Carts:
Computer on Wheels, Med Dispensing and Point of Care

Healthmark is pleased to be the exclusive Canadian Distributor of a family of point-of-care medical carts from Howard Medical meeting needs for standalone workstations on wheels  to medication transfer, storage and dispensing and finally to bedside point of care verification.

Howard Medical is a leading manufacturer and supplier of “Healthcare on Wheels” technology. They are  known for innovative, ergonomically designed, high quality products that are user friendly and built “future ready” for cost-effective upgrading as needs change. Each cart can be configured to the specific needs of the HealthCare Institution and user.

Select from the following options for more information:

Point of care

Offering a solution to meet your needs:
• Hi-Care – workstation cart only.
• Hi-Paradigm – med storage for up to 12 patients
• Hi-Prodigy – med storage for up to 8 patients Mix and match cart formats for various patient areas.

Add stationary Med Hubs (on the Nursing floors) and Transfer Carts (to bring the meds from Pharmacy) – all with interchangeable tiered cassettes and configurable bin options.

We have the whole solution covered now and into the future no matter what your needs are.

HI-Care
Keeping both ergonomics and spaciousness in mind, the lightweight HI-Care Cart maximizes movement capability while providing key features such as motorized height adjustment, tool less battery replacement and small footprint size, in addition to having the largest work surface in the industry.
Learn More

HI-Paradigm
The compact, yet stable, HI-Paradigm Cart is a state-of-the-art mobile medication storage and computer solution that offers motorized height adjustment and an expansive work surface for optimal workflow and performance.
Learn More

HI-Prodigy
The HI-Prodigy POC cart from Howard Medical offers you the conveniences you want in one sleek package. From near-silent height adjustability and bifocal-friendly mounts to 360 degree turning and numerous drawer configurations, this cart offers you the latest features in medication carts combined with the storage capacity you need to get the job done.
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Med Dispensing

HI-Med
Keyless entry and a large touch screen display combined with high security features such as automatic locking, a drawer catcher and a NarcLocker make the HI-Med Cart a product of choice.
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HI-Pinnacle
With their electronic locking system, top mount or side mount monitor capabilities and various size and configurations, the HI-Pinnacle Carts can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Learn More

Computers on Wheels

HI-Mobile
The HI-Mobile Carts are a low cost solution with easy navigation features and a height adjustable work surface area available in two distinct designs that provide working convenience for the user while sitting or standing.
Learn More

For additional and more detailed information go directly to our manufacturer website  www.howard-medical.com . Select “Med Carts” on top row and then click on “Categories” on the left for choice of > Computers On Wheels, Med Dispensing or Point of Care. Under the same section can click on “Marketing Download Center” for PDF product/service/warranty information formats of interest.