AUTOMATED DRUG PREPARATION APPARATUS INCLUDING A BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device. At least one of the stations includes a peripheral device for performing at least one operation and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system includes a master controller that tracks and controls the movement of the transporting device and operation of equipment at one or more stations. In addition, a system further includes a Bluetooth communications network between the peripheral device and the master controller such that that the peripheral device automatically communicates with the controller when the peripheral device is within a predetermined distance from the controller.