Count capsules in a tray from a photo

Counting capsules on a tray for a pharmacist check

Pharmacies, clinics and care homes count capsules when dispensing, processing returns or checking an expiry batch, and the photo count is a draft that sits beside the qualified manual check, never in place of it. Pour the capsules onto a plain counting tray in one layer, spread them so none lies on top of another, and photograph from directly above.

Gelatin capsules are glossy and often two-tone, and a bright light straight overhead puts a highlight on each half that can look like two items; diffuse light or a lamp angled from the side keeps each capsule as one shape. Capsules roll, so let them settle before shooting. Broken shells and spilled powder can still earn dots. Never mix strengths or products on one tray, because lookalike capsules will not be reliably told apart.

Review every dot against the tray, correct the number in the tally row and record it with the batch in the label. Tablets have their own pill counter, and packs still in their foil are counted on the blister pack page.

Before you photograph the tray

• One product and one strength on the tray
• Capsules in a single layer and no longer rolling
• Soft or side light rather than a bare bulb overhead
• The manual count still done and recorded as your procedure requires