Kirby Pill Counter Device

Written by Yurim Ko, PharmD 2025

January 9, 2024

Kirby Pill Counter Device

Kirby Lester, one of the most trusted names in pharmacy automation, provides systems used to efficiently manage prescription filling, secure controlled substances, and streamline workflow. The KL1 Pill Counter is their latest invention. The KL1 is claimed to be the smallest and fastest automated pill and tablet counter. With an average speed that is 14.3 seconds faster than hand-counting for a 90-count prescription, counting speed of up to 15 tablets per second, dimensions of 14.6”(h) 12.5”(d) 8”(w) only weighing 9.6 lbs, the machine is superior in every way to manual counting. KL 1 is compatible with almost any tablet or capsule coupled with an automated recalibration system and its compact size allows it to fit into most crowded pharmacy workspaces.

The KL1 counter is known to cost approximately $4,700. Compared to the least expensive model available, which is RxCount Rx-4 for $2,500, KL1 costs about $2,200 more. However, while KL1 has a counting speed of 15 pills per second, Rx-4 is known to have a speed of 5 pills per second. When counting by hand, the average time to count 30 pills is about 15 seconds, or 2 pills per second.4 The efficiency differential between the KL1 and the RX-4 further illustrates Kirby Lester’s commitment to facilitate the pharmacy workflow by inventing one of the fastest pill counters in the industry.

As of January 2, 2024, the hourly wage of a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts was $22.26 per hour. Therefore, the yearly cost to hire a pharmacy technician would be: 

$22.26/hour * 40 hours/week * 4 weeks/month * 12 months/year = $42,740.

While the KL1 counter system presents a higher upfront cost, a year of hiring a pharmacy technician costs about tenfold more in the long run and requires training and supervision. While manual counting is still practiced, there are several drawbacks particularly due to its slower speed and increased impact of human error. Human errors are inevitable and work fatigue can increase with an increased number of prescriptions to fill. The manual counting process itself is very tedious, and takes time away from pharmacists and technicians to focus on broader patient services.

The Kirby Lester KL1 Pill Counter offers several advantages over manual counting, including speed, accuracy, and efficiency. By automating the counting process, the KL1 can help pharmacies reduce errors, save time, and cut labor costs.

References:

1. ://www.kirbylester.com/counting-devices/.

2. “Kirby Lester KL1Plus.” Capsa Healthcare, 2024, https://www.capsahealthcare.com/product/kl1plus-tablet-counter/. 

3. “Which Pill Counter Is Right for Me?” RxCount, 28 Mar. 2019, https://rxcount.com/2019/03/28/which-pill-counter-is-right-for-me/.

4. “How Much Do Pill Counters Cost?” RxCount, 12 Mar. 2019, https://rxcount.com/2019/03/12/how-much-do-pill-counters-cost/.

5. Indeed. “Certified Pharmacy Technician Salary in Massachusetts” Indeed. 2 Jan. 2024, www.indeed.com/career/certified-pharmacy-technician/salaries/MA.