To ensure safety during medication preparation and distribution procedures, hospital pharmacy equipment must maintain compliance with regulatory controls and conformity assessments. Purchasing safe equipment and packaging systems, and making timely replacements for outdated systems, is paramount to businesses in health care. Here are four types of medication packaging equipment available by Medical Packaging Inc., LLC (MPI) to choose from when installing or upgrading your pharmacy equipment. These include oral solid and oral liquid packaging systems along with overwrapping and labeling systems.

Oral Solid Packaging Systems

Auto-Print®

To provide fast and accurate packaging with barcoding and label printing in-house, Auto-Print® Packaging System offers a comprehensive solution. This is a barcode and package system that meets technical specifications to print clear and scannable medication information.  A safe, tamper-proof unit dose package containing detailed medication and barcode information will be delivered to the bedside thanks to this efficiency in labeling and packaging. 

The system is designed to package at a speed of 60-unit dose packages per minute. This is useful for packaging both tablets and capsules for oral solid packaging in wholesale and retail pharmacy locations. Along with a Model #9300E printer with 300 DPI resolution, this packaging system comes with Pak-EDGE™ UD Barcode Labeling Software that is optimized for use with Windows® software. This barcode technology works for 2D, linear, and GS1 barcode creation. Customers also receive access to the First DataBank™ for comprehensive prescription drug source library and imaging information.

As you will learn in a moment, there are several attachments and additional pieces of equipment that operate as part of the Auto-Print® Unit Dose Packaging System. This is a total barcoding and packaging automation system that has been in production for more than 30 years.

Hospital pharmacies depend on this packaging machinery for handling the bulk of oral solid packaging needs in the health care industry. The use of the Auto-Print® system allows for stricter adherence to stringent quality control procedures by hospitals and the federal government. This system also serves to decrease costs, increase efficiency, and reduce and hopefully eliminate errors for pharmacies.

Express 90

The comparable Auto-Print® Express 90 Packaging System maxes out at 90 unit doses of oral solid medications per minute. Acute care, hospital and retail pharmacies appreciate the higher rate of production afforded by this piece of machinery. The Express 90 system is clocked at 50 percent faster than the standard Auto-Print®.

When speed counts the most, the Express 90 is the optimal choice in packaging systems for oral solid medications. If you are a business owner who previously owned an Auto-Print® but now wants to increase output, the Express 90 is the way to go. This packaging system increases efficiency and cost savings while maximizing output in a safe and economical manner.

Oral Solid Feeder Attachment

The Auto-Print® Oral Solid Feeder (OSF) Attachment allows bulk medication to be loaded into the feeder. This optimizes the fully automated packaging system for speed and efficiency. While optional, the feeder attachment is value-packed to offer increased accuracy and timing when filling prescriptions.

The system operates with oral solids, including tablets and capsules, being filled and sealed in sterile unit dose packages. Using the method of bulk loading medication, individual units are measured, counted, and sorted using an automated system. This eliminates the back-numbing task of hand sorting medications.

The Oral Solid Feeder will handle tablets and capsules measuring up to a half-inch in diameter. High volume runs for pharmacies and wholesale distributors are improved and optimized with the OSF attachment for the Auto-Print® oral solid packaging solution.

The oral solid feeder attachment is an accessory item for the Auto-Print® Packaging System. MPI offers additional customization for the medication packaging system that works with this OSF. This includes the Canister Feeder Attachment, which we will cover next. 

Canister Feeder Attachment

The Auto-Print® Canister Feeder (CF) Attachment provides additional automation support for filling prescription unit dose packages. The canister feeder facilitates the specialized packaging using canisters. This oral solid unit dose packaging system is also modifiable with the latest in drug canister technology.

With the Auto-Print® CF Attachment, the goal is to modify an existing canister technology to work with automated packaging assemblies. This provides much more efficiency in packaging fulfillment. The attachment handles up to 60 packages in 60 seconds and supports a minimal cost per dose (CPD) for the most in economic savings.

Only those canisters with a 7cm-by-7cm canister base size will fit, but the system only needs one canister. Also, the canister feeder option is only available for the standard Auto-Print® and can be operated in canister mode or manual mode.

Oral Liquid Packaging Systems

Fluidose®

The Fluidose® Series 6 Unit Dose Packaging systems are designed as a leading solution for oral liquid packaging. This system provides unit dose cup packaging for oral liquid medication. The rate of dispensing medication is 22 doses in 60 seconds. Fluidose® supports the entire packaging and barcoding process from start to finish for oral liquids. This has newly added features and simplified operating procedures compared to its predecessor, Fluidose® Series 5H. The Fluidose® packaging system is also compliant with the FDA regulations for food contact.

Auto-Draw®

Auto-Draw® is an expert Oral Syringe Filling System that provides another method for oral liquid packaging. This is a filling system that operates using an oral syringe for accuracy in dose packaging. The semi-automatic functionality allows for filling oral slip syringes in a wide variety of sizes and viscosities. The unit dose packaging system fills to a volume of 1 mL to 50 mL. Auto-Draw® is also a compact system that comes equipped with a touchscreen interface for speed of information. The Auto-Draw® system works in conjunction with the Auto-Wrap® Syringe Labeling System for a complete packaging and labeling setup.

FD-Pharma™

The next oral liquid packaging system that is most commonly used in small pharmaceutical manufacturing and CDMO settings is the FD-Pharma™. This system is FDA compliant to solve unit dose demands for oral liquid cup packaging. Medication repacking companies and boutique pharmaceutical firms that are running on a low scale are best served with the FD-Pharma™. This is ideally designed for managing low volume production along with validation runs.

Overwrapping Systems

Pharmacy Accessory Bagging System

The Pharmacy Accessory Bagging System (PABS) assists in the final stages of the packaging process. This system provides barcoding for medication packaging. Additionally, the packaging system fills and seals up to 35 bags in 60 seconds. PABS works for ampoules, syringes, and vials for a more comprehensive overwrapping system to serve a wider range of customer demands.

Auto-Print® Max Bagger

The Auto-Print® Max Bagger is an equally as impressive overwrapping system while not quite as fast. This system works to fill 30 bags per minute using automation technology. The Max Bagger offers a substantial process of bagging and labeling medications. This overwrap packaging system includes everything needed for packaging medications, and for printing barcodes and labels on unit packages. This works with robotic drug distribution systems for a comprehensive solution to manage two standard-sized fill bags, 3 ½ by 4 inches and 5 inches square. 

Labeling Systems

Auto-Wrap®

In the final stages of processing and packaging medical supplies and medication, the use of an automated labeling system is in order. Here the Auto-Wrap® is a highly responsive machine that wraps up to 20 syringes through a labeling system in 60 seconds. The time savings is estimated to be up to 2 ⅔ minutes per 25 syringes compared to manual wrapping, which shaves down total production costs.

Each syringe is expertly labeled in a single motion, reducing labeling errors and increasing productivity. The labeling solution provides an ergonomic way of labeling a large quantity of medical syringes. This reduces repetitive stress injuries and improves efficiency. The Auto-Wrap® technology reduces workplace injuries for employees involved in packaging these products.

Pharmacy Accessory Label Printer

Lastly, we have the Pharmacy Accessory Label Printer (PALP), which is an excellent addition to any acute care, hospital, and retail pharmacies or medical supply distributors. The PALP includes a commercial desktop printer and Pak-EDGE™ UD Barcode Labeling Software for the complete system. This premium equipment supports state-of-the-art barcoding and labeling technology. The compact size of PALP allows this system to be installed on a desktop.

The system is designed to print labels and barcodes for ampoules, syringes, and vials, as well as for other pharmacy accessories. Labeling parenteral medications has never been easier or more efficient. The printer has two different models that can be purchased, including Direct Thermal Label Printer and Thermal Transfer Label Printer. This system is ideal for a medical device manufacturer or health care provider interested in optimizing their processes with automation.

Choose Medical Packaging Equipment by MPI

Optimize the types of medical equipment available with the vast selection offered at MPI. Along with oral solid and oral liquid packaging systems that include overwrapping, barcoding, and labeling, these systems are backed by medical literature.

Each solution we support in our catalog of products comes with superior client and technical support. Let us help you choose the right medication packaging and labeling equipment for your needs today. Contact MPI for a quote on services and product solutions.

U.S. News & World Report released their 2021-22 Best Hospitals rankings. The annual rankings acknowledge hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering complex and common care while also helping patients find a hospital with the resources needed for inpatient care.

Nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide were evaluated based on analysis gathered on performance in adult and pediatric clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. About 65% of the Top 20 hospitals are Medical Packaging Inc., LLC (MPI) customers and more than ¾ of them are repeat customers with more than one MPI packaging solution being utilized in their facility.

The rankings for the Honor Roll consider 15 areas of complex specialty care and 17 specific procedure and conditions, such as heart bypass and lung cancer surgery.

Hospitals receive points if they were nationally ranked in the 15 specialties and if they were rated high performing in any of the procedures and conditions to make the Honor Roll. The more specialties and the higher their rank, the more points they acquired. Please click here to view the complete list of recognized hospitals and the methodology used in the rankings.

Medical Packaging Inc., LLC (MPI) has appointed John Zripko the new President/CEO of the company. An experienced business leader, John Zripko will succeed Andrew Bartels and assume responsibilities after a transition period.

John has 30+ years of experience leading packaging companies serving the pharmaceutical, medical, food, and other industries while achieving sustained, profitable growth. John possesses a unique blend of financial, technical, and commercial skills and is a perfect fit for MPI.

Andrew Bartels will remain involved with MPI as an owner, in an advisory role and as a key member of the board of directors.

“John has the required skillset and experience to take MPI to the next level as we continue to achieve our long-term growth goals in the core markets we serve, “said Andrew Bartels. “John joining MPI is in alignment with the partnership with The Zabel Companies to drive continued, long-term sustainable growth at MPI.”

John Zripko shares, “I am honored and excited to join MPI as the new President and CEO. Andy Bartels and his family built an incredible company which recently celebrated 50 years in business, and I am proud to have been chosen to lead MPI in the next chapter of continued growth and success. I would like to thank Andy and the Board of Directors for trusting me with this responsibility, and I’m glad to have joined the MPI family!”

Medical Packaging Inc., LLC (MPI) is excited to announce our new Fluidose^® Series 6 unit dose packaging system for oral liquid medication. 

With updated features and new technology, including a larger color touchscreen display, no tools required to reposition platform when packaging different cups sizes and expanded menu options, the Fluidose^® Series 6 improves the overall user experience while simplifying operation procedures.

The advanced design and added improvements support our commitment to providing hospital pharmacy professionals with establishing medication management that increases pharmacy efficiency and enhances patient safety.

Combined with our exclusive MPI-certified consumable materials and Pak-EDGE™ UD Barcode Labeling Software, customers have full confidence that a unit dose package containing detailed medication and barcode information is always delivered to patients. 

Learn more about the new liquid packaging and labeling solution by visiting the product page on our website.

Please feel free to contact us to speak with a product expert for additional information and pricing for the Fluidose^® Series 6 packaging system.

U.S. News & World Report released their 2020-21 Best Hospitals rankings. The annual rankings acknowledge hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering complex and common care.

Over 5,000 hospitals nationwide were evaluated based on analysis gathered on performance in adult and pediatric clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. About 55% of the Top 20 hospitals are Medical Packaging Inc. (MPI) customers and more than ¾ of them are repeat customers with more than one MPI packaging solution being utilized in their facility.

The rankings for the Honor Roll consider 16 areas of complex specialty care and 10 specific procedure and conditions, such as heart bypass and lung cancer surgery.

Hospitals receive points if they were nationally ranked in the 16 specialties and if they were rated high performing in any of the procedures and conditions to make the Honor Roll. The more specialties and the higher their rank, the more points they acquired.

Please click here to view the complete list of recognized hospitals and the methodology used in the rankings.

Oeiyin Yuen, manager of hospital pharmacy support staff at Cape Cod Healthcare in Hyannis, MA discusses how the 280 bed community hospital developed a unit dose repackaging strategy, which includes the Auto-Print® oral solid unit dose packaging system.  Important functionalities they need in an automated repackaging machine include accuracy of barcode scanning, capability to produce custom labels, a medication information database and easy identification of recalled products.  Read the article here.

Medical Packaging Inc. (MPI) is making an amendment to our current business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as we remain focused on the health and safety of our customers, employees and the community.

MPI is lifting our ban on travel starting May 4, 2020 to resume some onsite visits to customer locations for essential needs only.  Each request for a member of our team to travel will undergo an extensive review and must be approved by MPI management prior to confirmation of a scheduled trip.  We will only consider travel after all necessary requirements and criteria are met to secure the safety of our employees and our clients.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those working in hospitals around the world.  We are thankful for you and greatly appreciate all you do.   Please note that as of 6/1/2020, the Customer Assurance team resumed our normal technical support hours to offer phone, email, and remote support between 9 AM and 5 PM ET, Monday through Friday. If you need us, just call (800) 257-5282 (option 3) or email techsupport@medpak.com.

For all material and part orders, please continue to send your requests to materialorders@medpak.com from 9 AM to 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

All other inquiries may be sent to info@medpak.com.

Please share this email with all members of your team. We will communicate any additional modifications to our operational procedures that may occur with the ongoing coronavirus situation as we keep monitoring federal, state and local public health agencies.

We are always here to support you and remain committed to helping you enhance the well-being and safety of patients.

Please continue to take care, keep healthy and stay safe.

MPI’s Fluidose® Series 5H provides the capability to barcode and package oral liquid medication into a unit dose cup at the rate of up to 22 doses per minute.

Join us on March 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT to learn more about our liquid unit dose packaging solution. Our product implementation specialist will provide a live demonstration of the system to explain how it operates and interacts with our Pak-EDGE™ UD Barcode Labeling Software.

Register for the free webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/299234693550486540.

Medical Packaging Inc. (MPI) and Medi-Dose/EPS have noticed a current rise in questions pertaining to beyond-use dating of unit dose medication. Both companies have joined together to release a joint statement relating to the issue. Please click here to read our shared position on the subject of beyond-use dating.

A specialty pharmaceutical company needed a liquid unit dose packaging system capable of filling smaller dosages down to 5mL.  Key factors to determine if it was possible to continue packaging in-house and avoid paying an outsourced contract packager included:

• Compact size – accommodated limited floorspace
• Accuracy – able to produce a liquid unit dose package that meets regulatory requirements
• Easy to use
• Provided serialization and die-cut lidding options

Click here to read Healthcare Packaging’s machine case study.  Learn how Medical Packaging Inc.’s FD-Pharma™ Series II liquid cup unit dose packaging solution allowed the company to bring a new product to market benefiting patients and healthcare providers.

U.S. News & World Report released their 2019-20 Best Hospitals rankings. The annual rankings acknowledge hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering complex and common care.

Nearly 4,700 hospitals nationwide were evaluated based on analysis gathered on performance in adult and pediatric clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Due to a tie for 20^th, there were 21 hospitals that performed the best to make the Honor Roll. About 62% of the Top 21 hospitals are Medical Packaging Inc. (MPI) customers and many are repeat customers with more than one MPI packaging solution being utilized in their facility.

The rankings for the Honor Roll consider 16 areas of complex specialty care and 9 specific procedure and conditions, such as heart bypass and lung cancer surgery. Only 165 U.S. hospitals performed well enough to be nationally ranked in one or more specialties.

Hospitals receive points for both the specialty rankings and procedure and condition ratings to make the Honor Roll.   The higher their rank in specialties and if they earn a “high performing” in the ratings, the more points they acquired.

Please click here to view the complete list of recognized hospitals and the methodology used in the rankings.

Medical Packaging Inc. (MPI) has added a new die cut optional feature to the FD-Pharma™ liquid unit dose packaging and labeling solution.

The external device trims the lidding to the perimeter of the cup leaving one tabbed section.   The feature is available for 7mL, 15mL, 25mL and 35mL cups and produces a high quality, uniform product quickly and efficiently.  The customization is achieved with no effect to the print quality of information on the labels and meets the requirements set forth by USP for moisture permeation and light transmission.  Benefits include an integrated design, an optimal seal and an ideal tool to add a professional die cut labeling capability to liquid unit dose cup packaging.

Please contact us to learn more about our die cut feature now available and MPI’s liquid unit dose packaging solutions.