5 Tools Pharmacy Techs Use for Lab Training
Every section in a hospital setup plays a vital role in patient care. For pharmacies, it goes beyond the dispensing of drugs and prescriptions. Before a pharmacy tech can write down medications for patients, they have to undergo comprehensive training for proficiency and efficiency. On this note, what are the tools pharmacy techs most utilize in the training process? And, how does each tool help in the overall service as a pharmacy technician? This article delves deep into discussing the various devices and how each comes in handy in lab training for pharmacy technicians.
1. Lab balances
Lab balances are a vital tool for any pharmacy. They come in handy in the preparation of prescriptions, counting tablets for accuracy and other measurements. Balances come in various types including precision balances and analytical balances. Different categories include semi-micro, micro and ultra-micro balances. All these are tools you will need to learn how to use before you can qualify for pharmacy tech certification. All work for measurements and accuracy but each is defined according to its readability. For instance, precision balances work to measure weights more than or equal to 0.001grams.
These balances are also used in various applications including research and other professional applications. For pharmacy use, they deliver a high level of efficiency in measuring. This guarantees reliability, safety, and speed of results.
2. Lab blenders and emulsifiers
Like other blenders, lab lenders are used in mixing and grinding compounds. However, these blenders are specially made for lab purposed owing to the type of products and compounds they use. For this reason, it is essential to learn the differences between usual and lab blenders to practice safety and precautions when using them.
Emulsifiers, on the other hand, come in handy in the preparation process of various products in the pharmaceutical industry. Some of these processes take place at the point of dispersion and hence useful in daily drug preparations and prescriptions. As a pharmacy assistant, these are some of the tools you need to be conversant with before you can get hands on the job.
3. Tube filling machines
In various pharmacy operations, tube filling machines come in handy. They also help in crimping and coding operations in the labs. Some tube filling machines couple up as small batch processors in small setups. They come with different filling capacities depending on the job at hand. Most have a filling mechanism that allows adjustments to ensure correct volumes. Also, the filling machines have an inbuilt mechanism to allow easy change over from one tube to the other without spilling or skipping. Such tools require comprehensive learning on how to switch the settings for efficiency and reliability.
Some of the optional accessories that come with tube filling machines include tube counting device, tube cleaning mechanisms, tube transfer devices, etc. the selection of this depends on the type of work needed and the volume of output regarding tube filling in the lab and pharmacy.
4. Automatic bottle filling machines
Packaging is one of the vital processes in the pharmaceutical industry. However big or small the products are automatic filling bottles need to be part of the process. Also, it does not matter whether the product is liquid or powder. So it is essential to learn how these machines work in the bottle filling processes and the different ways each function. When you think of the thousands of products and drugs that are dispensed each day, you quickly get to understand the need for automatic bottle filling machine. These not only make it easy to package products but also enhance the reliability and efficiency of the overall pharmaceutical industry.
5. Computer-operated dispensing equipment
In modern pharmacies, various systems have been put in place to allow easy prescriptions and dispensing of drugs. These systems not only enhance the operations but also help with accuracy and reliability in the delivery of services in pharmacies. Such benefits of efficiency go to both the clients and the technician. The computer-based equipment receives instructions as keyed in by the technician and follows the commands as stated. This works particularly in busy pharmacy setups where the client base is massive. As an aspiring technician, you ought to understand the operation of such equipment and ways of utilizing them for outstanding service delivery.
Additionally, some of these computer-operated tools have more than one function. It is up to the technician to differentiate the settings for the job at hand. At this point, they should be able to run the system without compromising on the other functions. These are some of the considerations, and you have to operate seamlessly before acquiring certification.
There You Have It
Each tool that plays a role in pharmaceutical processes is equally essential. For this reason, as an aspiring pharmacy tech, you ought to go through the necessary training on how to operate and run such equipment. These explained above are some of the most common and widely used tools by pharmacy technologists for lab training. With the basic knowledge of what each does, you have a better understanding regarding the functions and the benefits.