CHANDLER — The latest technology is taking Chandler Drug Co. back to the practice of pharmacists having time for personalized service and counseling.

According to a press release, the pharmacy staff is now using the SP 200 Robotic Prescription Dispensing System from ScriptPro. The system has many safety features that ensure accurate medication dispensing.

The SP 200 performs the time-consuming and tedious tasks of counting pills, filling vials, and labeling prescriptions — using advanced robotic technology.

With ScriptPro automation, pharmacists have more time to answer questions and counsel their customers.

Once a prescription is entered into the pharmacy computer system, the robotic arm determines the correct size vial, then finds the specified drug. Using barcode scanning, it verifies the location of the drug.

The robotic arm holds the vial and counts the pills as they are automatically dropped into the vial. The arm then places the vial on a short conveyer belt and the patient label is applied, complete with medication warning labels.

Barcode scanning is used throughout the system to ensure the correct drug is given to the patient. The pharmacist makes the final check for accuracy, comparing the pills in the vial with a computer-screen image of the drug.

Pharmacists said they are pleased to have the SP 200 on staff. The system counts and fills up to 150 prescriptions per hour, so customers get their medications promptly, even during peak pharmacy hours.

ScriptPro of Mission, Kan., has installed thousands of these automated prescription dispensing systems worldwide.

For more on ScriptPro, call Leslie Bayer at 913- 384-1008, or visit scriptpro. com.