At Livingstone International, we recognise the importance of having the right pharmacy equipment and supplies for your business. Whether you manage a hospital pharmacy, operate a small chemist, or stock a busy clinic, you need tools that support safety, accuracy, and care. This guide is tailored for you, the everyday healthcare provider who must balance compliance, costs, and quality simultaneously.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about pharmacy supplies in Australia, from glass pharmacy measuring cylinders to emergency supply pharmacy solutions and how to source them efficiently.
Why Pharmacy Equipment Matters More Than Ever
Your pharmacy setup isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s your foundation. The right tools ensure patient safety, accurate dosing, smooth workflow, and adherence to strict regulatory standards.
In today’s world of high patient volume and tight turnaround times, quality pharmacy supplies help you deliver safe and timely care. Whether it’s a digital balance for compounding prescriptions or a reliable cold chain storage unit, your equipment must be trustworthy and compliant.
We help thousands of Australian pharmacies just like yours stay stocked and stress-free.
1. Core Pharmacy Supplies Every Facility Needs
We’ve worked with countless hospitals, clinics and pharmacies across the country, and these are the essentials that top everyone’s list:
Dispensing Equipment
- Pharmacy measuring cylinders – especially glass pharmacy measuring cylinders – are crucial for liquid dosing. Whether you’re compounding or preparing solutions, accuracy is everything.
- Mortar and pestle – the traditional tool that still gets plenty of use in preparing powders or crushing tablets.
- Counting trays and spatulas – for efficient handling of solid oral medications.
Storage and Organisation Tools
- Medication fridges – for storing vaccines, insulin, and heat-sensitive medications safely.
- Shelving units and bins – to keep medications sorted, accessible, and in compliance with storage protocols.
- Label printers and scanners help you maintain proper identification and traceability across your inventory.
Compounding Equipment
- Balances (Class A or digital) – used for weighing ingredients precisely.
- Measuring beakers and syringes – for preparing liquid medicines and intravenous solutions.
- Mixers and stirrers – essential for suspensions and emulsions.
All these are part of what we consider core pharmacy equipment. Without them, it’s almost impossible to run a professional-grade dispensing operation.
2. Understanding Pharmacy Measuring Cylinders (and Why Glass Matters)
When it comes to liquid measurement, nothing beats a glass pharmacy measuring cylinder for accuracy and chemical resistance. Unlike plastic, glass cylinders:
- Don’t react with acidic or basic substances
- Offer better visibility with clear gradation marks.
- Last longer with proper care
We recommend having a range of sizes, from 10mL to 1L, to cover all preparation needs. These cylinders are ideal for both sterile and non-sterile compounding.
Bonus Tip: Always clean and air-dry cylinders properly between uses to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Building a Hospital Pharmacy Equipment List
Running a hospital pharmacy? Your needs go beyond the basics. You’ll want a list that supports 24/7 operations, emergencies, and high-throughput environments.
Here’s a sample of what to include:
| Equipment | Use |
| Automated Dispensing Cabinets | Secure, track, and manage medications |
| Laminar Flow Hoods | Sterile environment for IV prep |
| Cold Chain Monitors | Maintain vaccine integrity |
| Refrigerators with Data Loggers | Continuous temperature tracking |
| Controlled Drug Safes | Secure high-risk medications |
In hospitals, pharmacy operations must comply with strict safety protocols. That means having TGA-compliant equipment and validated storage conditions.
We offer a comprehensive range of products, from refrigerators to biosafety cabinets, to support your workflow.
4. Emergency Supply Pharmacy: Be Ready for the Unexpected
Australia’s emergency pharmacy system is designed to support patients during natural disasters, medicine shortages, or unexpected delays in prescriptions.
As a provider, you need to stay ready with:
- Back-up stock of essential medications
- Portable refrigeration for cold chain meds during power cuts
- Battery-powered equipment in case of outages
- First aid and trauma kits
We supply hospitals and rural pharmacies across Australia with emergency-ready equipment that ensures continuity of care, regardless of the circumstances.
We also supply cold chain solutions designed to work off-grid, which are perfect for mobile clinics or rural healthcare setups.
5. Sourcing Pharmacy Supplies in Australia: Why Choose Us
You could get your gear from a dozen different suppliers. But that’s not ideal. It increases your costs, delays deliveries, and creates compatibility issues.
That’s where we come in.
We supply a complete range of pharmacy medical supplies to hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and aged care providers. We help you:
- Order everything from one place – from glass cylinders to PPE
- Save on bulk pricing – great for hospitals and multi-site clinics.
- Get fast, Australia-wide delivery – we dispatch from local warehouses.
- Stay compliant – we only stock TGA and ISO-certified products.
From compounding kits to controlled drug registers, we’ve got you covered.
6. Navigating Bulk & Wholesale Pharmacy Supply
You’re probably juggling stock management and cost control, especially if you’re a high-volume provider. Buying in bulk isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
Here’s how pharmacy supplies wholesale through us helps:
- Reduced per-unit cost
- Fewer delivery delays
- Better planning for restocking cycles
- Access to bulk-only product lines
And let’s be real: when you’re restocking every week, every cent saved matters.
If you’re unsure about how much to order or how to set up a monthly restock plan, our team is here to guide you. We even help with forecasting based on usage trends and seasonal demand.
7. Our Top Categories: Shop with Confidence
We offer an extensive range of pharmacy essentials, including:
a. Pharmacy Consumables
- Gloves, masks, and aprons
- Alcohol swabs, wipes, and gauze
- Pill splitters, crushers, and medicine cups
b. Measuring & Dispensing Tools
- Glass pharmacy measuring cylinders
- Beakers, droppers, pipettes
- Class A balances and digital scales
c. Packaging Supplies
- Child-safe containers
- Amber bottles for light-sensitive meds
- Tamper-proof seals
d. Safety & Compliance
- Spill kits
- Hazardous waste bins
- Controlled drug safes
We don’t just ship you supplies. We ship peace of mind.
8. Who We Serve: From Big Hospitals to Local Chemists
Whether you’re a major hospital network or a suburban chemist, your needs matter to us. Our pharmacy customers include:
- Hospitals – public and private, across all states
- GP clinics – general practices and urgent care
- Compounding pharmacies – with sterile and non-sterile needs
- Community chemists – retail and bulk suppliers
- Aged care providers who require consistent, safe deliveries
Wherever you are, we’ll get your order to you fast.
9. Supporting Remote & Regional Pharmacies
In rural and remote regions, pharmacies are lifelines. But supply challenges are real. That’s why we offer:
- Reliable logistics to hard-to-reach locations
- Tailored bulk supply packs to reduce restocking trips
- Custom kits based on your community’s unique health needs
We’re proud to support the bush, the outback, and everywhere in between.
10. Why Glass Pharmacy Measuring Cylinders Are a Must-Have
Let’s circle back to a fan favourite: glass pharmacy measuring cylinders. These underrated tools deserve their spotlight.
Unlike plastic, they:
- Don’t degrade with use
- Maintain chemical integrity of sensitive compounds.
- They are easy to sterilise and reuse
You’ll find them used in compounding, IV mixing, and research applications.
We stock both Class A and Class B glass cylinders, so whether you need pharmaceutical precision or standard lab use, we’ve got the right fit.
11. Sustainability in Pharmacy Supplies
We understand that running a pharmacy involves producing waste. But we’re here to help you reduce it where possible.
We stock:
- Biodegradable gloves and packaging
- Reusable containers and dispensers
- Glass tools that outlast dozens of plastic ones
Sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s a responsibility, and we’re making it easier for you.
12. Our Promise to You
When you shop with Livingstone International, you’re not just buying equipment. You’re getting:
- Expert advice from people who know the pharmacy
- Consistent stock levels so you’re never caught short
- Competitive pricing without cutting corners
- Customised support for hospitals, clinics, and retail chemists
We’re proudly Australian-owned and understand the unique demands of the Australian healthcare system.
Conclusion: Let’s Equip Your Pharmacy, Together
Whether you’re starting up, scaling, or just restocking, we’re here to help. With the right pharmacy supplies, you’re not just keeping the shelves full; you’re supporting your patients, your staff, and your standards.
From glass pharmacy measuring cylinders to complete hospital pharmacy equipment lists, Livingstone International has the solutions you need.
So, let’s build something dependable. Let’s build it together.
FAQ
1. What are the essential pharmacy equipment items I should start with?
Starting a pharmacy? Focus on core tools: pharmacy measuring cylinders (preferably glass), digital balances, pill counters, medicine fridges, storage cabinets, label printers, and PPE like gloves and masks. These cover dispensing, storage, and basic safety needs. We offer complete setup kits tailored to your pharmacy type, whether retail, hospital, or compounding.
2. Why are glass pharmacy measuring cylinders preferred over plastic ones?
Glass pharmacy measuring cylinders offer better precision, chemical resistance, and durability compared to plastic alternatives. They don’t absorb or react with active ingredients, making them ideal for compounding or liquid dosing. They’re also easier to sterilise and provide crystal-clear visibility for accurate measurements, an essential in any Australian pharmacy setup.
3. Do I need different pharmacy supplies for hospitals versus retail chemists?
Yes. Hospital pharmacies require a broader range of equipment, including IV preparation tools, controlled drug storage, and automated dispensing systems. Retail chemists focus more on over-the-counter medications, small-scale compounding, and daily dispensing. We supply both sectors with custom solutions designed around your workflow, staff size, and patient volume.
4. What’s included in an emergency supply pharmacy kit?
Emergency supply pharmacy kits typically include epinephrine pens, first aid items, burn treatments, oxygen cylinders, and AEDs. They’re designed to manage allergic reactions, cardiac events, and other emergencies before further medical help arrives. We offer pre-packed emergency kits or custom options tailored to your clinic or pharmacy setting.
5. How can I order pharmacy equipment in bulk for multiple sites?
We make bulk ordering simple. You can set up a business account with us, access volume pricing, and manage multiple delivery addresses. We also offer recurring order options and account management services for larger providers. This helps streamline your supply chain and ensures consistency across all your pharmacy locations.
6. Are your pharmacy medical supplies compliant with Australian regulations?
Absolutely. All our pharmacy supplies meet relevant Australian healthcare standards, including TGA and ISO requirements. Whether it’s glass cylinders, drug storage units, or PPE, you can trust that our products are compliant, safe, and ready for use in clinical, retail, and hospital settings. Compliance is built into everything we deliver.
7. How often should I replace my pharmacy measuring equipment?
It depends on usage and cleaning practices. Glass pharmacy measuring cylinders last for years with proper care. Replace them if you notice faded markings, chips, or residue that won’t clean off. Digital scales and balances should be calibrated regularly and replaced every few years to maintain accuracy. We offer calibration services, too.
8. What kind of support do you offer for new pharmacy setups?
We provide end-to-end support. From helping you choose essential equipment to guiding you through compliance and restocking plans, our team walks you through the entire setup. Whether you’re launching a pharmacy or opening a hospital wing, we help you build a tailored supply list that meets your budget and workflow needs.
9. Do you offer pharmacy supplies for rural or remote areas in Australia?
Yes, we do. We ship pharmacy supplies nationwide, including in regional and remote areas. Our logistics network ensures quick delivery, and we offer bulk and emergency kits for locations that require additional stock between deliveries. You can rely on us to keep your pharmacy running smoothly wherever you’re based.
10. Can I get tailored pharmacy equipment packages from Livingstone International?
Absolutely. We understand no two pharmacies are alike. Whether you run a small local chemist or manage an extensive hospital network, we’ll tailor a package based on your needs. Simply contact our team, and we’ll help you create a comprehensive, compliant pharmacy equipment list tailored to your workflow and budget.
