General Information

The VITEK 2 can:

• reduce time to identification and antibiotic susceptibility results
• offer an extensive analysis menu
• benefit from a miniaturized card-format consumable (10 cm x 6 cm x 0.5 cm) consisting of 64 wells for increased system analytical capacities

Microbial Identification

Fluorescent technology provides broad profiles for the reliable identification of the most clinically relevant organisms. However, with the growing number of clinically significant pathogens and their rapidly emerging resistance to antimicrobials, identification must be fast and accurate.

Antimicrobic Susceptibility Testing

Sophisticated data analysis uses algorithms to look at a variety of parameters and test conditions to ensure accurate test results. Combined with the Advanced EXPERT System, the VITEK 2 provides state-of-the-art technology for AST and detection of resistance mechanisms.

A Growing System

After primary isolation, an organism suspension is prepared in a tube of saline and verified with the DensiChek densitometer. The inoculum tube is then placed into a rack, called the cassette. The sample identification number is entered into the Smart Carrier via barcode or keypad and electronically linked to the supplied barcode on each test card. ID and AST test cards can be mixed and matched in the cassette to meet your specific laboratory needs.

All information entered at the bench is then transported to the instrument in a memory chip attached to the cassette. This provides positive test tracking from the bench to the report.

Standardization and Enhanced Productivity

A new generation of test standardization and workflow productivity is now possible with the full automation of the VITEK 2. From start to finish, all processing steps are completely autonomous, standardized, controlled and checked:

• Test setup verification
  
• AST inoculum dilution
  
• Test inoculation
  
• Card sealing
  
• Incubator loading
  
• Optical reading and data transmission
  
• Card disposal

Fast Reports

The VITEK 2 knows when to check on each card. The optical system reads all 64 wells every 15 minutes. This kinetic monitoring provides an extended database for analysis and interpretation. This allows the VITEK 2 to provide rapid results without compromising biological performance. The simple point-and-click user interface is as easy to use as many similar windows-style applications.

Antimicrobic Resistance Detection with the Advanced EXPERT System

Antimicrobic Susceptibility Testing (AST) continues to become increasingly complex due to emerging and low-level microbial resistances. EXPERT systems provide various levels of security, validations and in-depth analysis of results to most accurately predict the clinical outcome of a therapy. This new approach allows us to use the most universal and quantitative value: the MIC. This is combined with the microbial identification and compared to a global knowledge base that has been constructed from published articles and bioMérieux research.

The Advanced EXPERT System has a three step action:

1. Biological validation of the quality of the results from a technical, IN VITRO, point of view.
2. Result interpretation to facilitate correction for improved clinical outcomes.
   
3. Systematic addition of recommendations that your laboratory wishes to communicate to the physicians. These may be committee footnotes (NCCLS, CASFM, DIN) or specific recommendations defined by your laboratory.

VITEK 2 offers systematic validation of results and a new approach to the detection of resistance using a phenotypic concept. By doing this, we usher in a new generation of AST Performance:

Comprehensive
Antimicrobic
Resistance
Detection

Optimization

Cost containment efforts today can be a major frustration. That's where the VITEK 2 comes in. With the VITEK 2, you can now accomplish more in less time and better participate in the highest levels of care directed at infectious diseases.

Automated functions have been maximized to greatly enhance workflow productivity. You and your staff can concentrate on new activities and parameters. Ease-of-use helps overall staff efficiency and scheduling.

By speeding up the information on an appropriate therapy, you can replace expensive long-term, broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment with alternate therapies in a timely manner.

Return to VITEK 2