Method of dispensing ready-for-use syringes having a medication dose

Abstract

A method of dispensing at least one syringe in real time having a medication dose comprising the steps of: loading a pumping station with at least one medication container, chosen from a plurality of standard medication containers; loading the pumping station with the at least one syringe fitted with a hypodermic needle, the hypodermic needle being covered with a needle cover, the at least one syringe selected from a plurality of syringes; drawing the medication dose through the needle of the at least one syringe from the at least one medication container; configuring an on-board computer to integrate patient real time life signs data with patient information to determine in real time the medication dose; and dispensing the at least one selected syringe to a syringe dispensing apparatus having a syringe tray which protrudes from the dosage dispensing device, the syringe having the medication dose.

1 . A method of dispensing at least one syringe in real time having a medication dose comprising the steps of:
 loading a pumping station with at least one medication container, chosen from a plurality of standard medication containers;   loading the pumping station with the at least one syringe fitted with a hypodermic needle, the hypodermic needle being covered with a needle cover, the at least one syringe selected from a plurality of syringes loaded into a syringe magazine;   drawing the medication dose from the at least one medication container through the needle of the at least one syringe;   configuring an on-board computer to integrate patient real time life signs data with patient information to determine in real time the medication dose; and   dispensing the at least one selected syringe to a syringe dispensing apparatus having a syringe tray protruding from the dosage dispensing device, the syringe having the medication dose.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby in the pumping station medication is drawn into the syringe from the at least one chosen medication container while the syringe is positioned below or above the at least one chosen medication container. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby the plurality of standard medication containers is chosen from a list including: ampoules, vials; and bottles. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby a syringe gripper:
 removes the needle cover from the needle prior to loading the syringe into the pumping station; and   recovers the needle with the needle cover after completion of drawing of medication into the at least one selected syringe.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby a saline magazine holds at least one standard intravenous saline infusion bag. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby a medication magazine is selected from a group of medication magazine types, whereby respective medication magazine types hold the plurality of medication containers containing medication directed for treating respective medical procedures, conditions, and uses chosen from a list including: oncology; anesthesia; resuscitation; pulmonary edema; tachycardia; bradycardia process; and cardiology. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , whereby the medication magazine is fitted with an RFID device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , whereby medication and syringe magazines are stored, packed, marked, and sealed as a set for respective medical procedures and the kit is managed and tracked with the aid of a dedicated software. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , whereby the at least the medication magazine is replaced following respective procedures. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , whereby all medication, saline, and syringe magazines are replaced following respective procedures. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby the real time signs data are obtained from at least one patient life-sign monitor selected from a group including: an ECG monitor, an EEG monitor; a blood oxygen monitor; a patient temperature monitor; and a blood pressure monitor. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby the patient information is selected from a group including at least one of: a patient weight; a patient age; a patient gender; patient known allergies; a patient risk category; and medications used by the patient. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby a medication camera is used to verify at least one chosen from a group including: a medication type; a medication lot number; a medication expiration date; and an amount of medication in the at least one chosen medication container. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby a syringe camera is used to verify at least one chosen from a group including: an amount of medication drawn into the at least one selected syringe; and an absence of air bubbles in the at least one selected syringe. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby real time comprises the time from ordering medication to dispensing the at least one selected syringe having the medication dose in substantially less than a time chosen from a list including: 60 seconds, 30 seconds, and 20 seconds. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , whereby dispensing the at least one selected syringe is done at a patient bedside.