Medical labeling apparatus with drug information
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10144547-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided is a labeling apparatus that generates a label for labeling a drug container at a healthcare facility. The labeling apparatus includes a code reader that reads a computer-readable code encoding a drug to be stored by the drug container and transmits a signal indicative of the identity of the drug in response to reading the computer-readable code. A non-transitory computer-readable memory stores a drug formulary comprising a plurality of drug entries. A processing component is configured to identify, from the formulary, the identity of the drug corresponding to the computer-readable code and receives a patient identity from a computer-accessible source. A printer is operable to print label content identifying the specific drug onto a label that is to be applied to the drug container. The label content includes the identity of the drug and the patient identity encoded by a label code that is computer-readable.
Core Innovation
The labeling apparatus generates a label for a drug container at a healthcare facility. It reads a computer-readable drug code, identifies the drug using a stored drug formulary, obtains additional information from a second computer-readable code on a source independent of a patient, and prints the drug identity and additional information in human-readable form and/or encoded by a computer-readable label code.
The administration method scans a drug code and a first patient code associated with the drug container, scans a second patient code independent of the first, and compares the patient identities indicated by the two codes. A match permits configuration of the automated drug delivery device to administer the drug; a mismatch initiates an alert and prevents administration until manual confirmation is received.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims define five main inventive features across a drug-container labeling apparatus and a method of administering a drug using an automated drug delivery device.
Drug identification using a code and formulary
The labeling apparatus reads a computer-readable code encoding a drug and identifies the corresponding drug from a stored drug formulary comprising a plurality of drug entries.
Printing drug and patient information on a container label
The apparatus receives additional information from a second computer-readable code on an identification label that is independent of a patient and is not used to program a medication delivery device. It prints the drug identity and additional information on a label in human-readable form and/or encoded by a computer-readable label code.
Comparing patient identities before administration
The method scans a drug code and a first patient code associated with the drug container, scans a second patient code independent of the first, and compares the patient identities determined from the two patient codes. The automated drug delivery device is configured to administer the drug when the identities match.
Alerting and preventing administration after a mismatch
When the patient identities do not match, the method initiates an alert and prevents the automated drug delivery device from administering the drug.
Requiring manual confirmation after a mismatch
Following a mismatch, administration remains prevented until the automated drug delivery device receives manual confirmation that the drug is to be administered.
The claims cover code- and formulary-based drug identification and label generation using patient-independent information, together with patient-identity comparison that governs automated drug administration and blocks administration after a mismatch until manual confirmation.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Generating a label for a drug container at a healthcare facility, with the label identifying the drug and providing additional information.
Administering a drug to a patient using an automated drug delivery device, with patient-identity comparison determining whether administration proceeds or is prevented pending manual confirmation.
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