Innovations in compounding: integrated barcode system verifies chemical identity, weight

Two of a compounder's greatest concerns are confirming the identity of a drug used in a compound and verifying the weight of that drug before it is incorporated into a custom preparation. Bill Mixon, RPh, owner of The Compounding Pharmacy in Hickory, North Carolina, has devised a computerized network consisting of an electronic balance, a thermal label printer, and a barcode system that enables fellow compounders to ensure the accuracy of chemical weights and drug labeling. Most compounders work with more than one vendor, and most vendors do not barcode their chemicals, but Mixon's system enables the compounder to barcode the chemicals from a variety of vendors. Most importantly, his system has prevented errors in compounding.