Dispensing systems and methods for prefilled syringes

A dispensing mechanism for dispensing elongate items, the dispensing mechanism comprising:

• a dispensing unit comprising a drawer;
• a dispenser, comprising:
• at least two helical augers having threads and rotational axes;
• at least two channels configured to hold the items to be dispensed with longitudinal axes of the items to be dispensed being generally perpendicular to the rotational axes of the at least two helical augers, and the items to be dispensed being received at least partially within the threads of the augers;
• a mechanical drive engaged with the at least two augers and configured to rotate the at least two augers to transport the items to be dispensed, driven by the threads of the augers, to dispense the items from the dispensing mechanism;
• an encoder coupled to the mechanical drive of the dispensing mechanism, the encoder identifying a rotational position of at least one of:
• the helical augers;
• or the mechanical drive;
• and
• a cassette coupled with the dispenser, wherein the cassette and the dispenser are disposed within an interior of the drawer.