| Durham, NC, November 4, 2004) — bioMérieux,
Inc. is pleased to release the findings of a technical ergonomic
analysis that shows its VITEK® 2 automated bacterial identification
and antibiotic susceptibility testing (ID/AST) system causes
significantly less strain than another manufacturer’s
automated ID/AST system.
The ergonomic study was performed by Worksite International,
Inc. and commissioned by a customer of bioMérieux’s
VITEK 2 system. Worksite utilizes a Strain Index (SI) method
to evaluate the level or risk for developing a disorder of the
hand, wrist, forearm or elbow from a certain job. According
to the Worksite study, the SI score for bioMérieux’s
VITEK 2 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) work cycle over
2-4 hours was 6.75, the lower the number being the more ideal.
The closest competitor on an identical CLS work cycle over 2-4
hours had a strain index of 60.75.
The study compared - through task and ergonomic analysis -
the biomechanical advantages and disadvantages of the card set-up
process of the VITEK 2 ID/AST testing system with the other
manufacturer’s automated ID/AST system. The assessment
included an analysis of workflow, work routines and work practices
for the purpose of establishing best practices. The study was
commissioned to help laboratories better understand the risks
and exposures associated with performing automated ID/AST testing
and the likelihood of developing a musculoskeletal disorder
(MSD) to the upper extremities.
MSDs affect job performance across industries in an adverse
way and result in lost work time and productivity. In the Bureau
of Labor Statistics’ 2002 report, which is the most recent
to date, MSDs accounted for 34%, or almost 500,000, of the injuries
and illnesses that required days away from work. Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome sufferers missed an average of 30 days because of pain
associated with repetitive tasks. In addition, wrist and shoulder
injuries accounted for the longest average absence from work,
15 days.
To perform the study, a Worksite International ergonomist observed
and videotaped the card set-up processes of both the VITEK 2
and the other instrument and performed time and motion (MTM)
analysis of the essential work cycles. The data that was collected
was then validated by using “The Strain Index: A proposed
method to analyze jobs for risk of distal upper extremity disorders”
to determine the relative strain index of the VITEK 2 card set-up
process compared to the same process of the other system.
About the Strain Index
A validated tool developed by Steven Moore, Medical College
of Wisconsin and Arun Garg, University of Wisconsin, “The
Strain Index: A proposed method to analyze jobs for risk of
distal upper extremity disorders” is used to evaluate
the level of risk for developing a disorder of the hand, wrist,
forearm, or elbow from a certain job or task. The Strain Index
(SI) is an appropriate tool to use when attempting to evaluate
the risk of developing a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) in a
hand-intensive task.
About Worksite International, Inc.
Worksite International, Inc., located in Monterey, CA, has
been an established consulting company since 1993. Worksite
International, Inc. provides office and technical ergonomic
analysis and training to business and industry for the purpose
of injury prevention and management as well as for improving
employee productivity and comfort. The company offers custom
ergonomics and workers’ compensation program development
and management, ergonomic analysis and training for the biotech
industry as well as for other industries. The services emphasize
the integration of quality health and safety work processes
into the organizational culture. Alison Heller-Ono CMC, Certified
Industrial Ergonomist and President/CEO of Worksite International
conducted the ergonomic study comparing the two ID/AST test
kit set-up processes.
About bioMérieux, Inc.
bioMérieux, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of bioMérieux
S.A., a company headquartered in France. bioMérieux is
a leading international diagnostics group that specialises in
the field of in vitro diagnostics for clinical and industrial
applications. bioMérieux designs, develops, manufactures
and markets systems (i.e. reagents, instruments and software)
used in:
Clinical applications: the diagnosis of
infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis and
respiratory illnesses, as well as pathologies such as cardiovascular
diseases and cancer, based on the analysis of biological samples
(such as blood, saliva or urine); and
Industrial applications: the microbiological
analysis of food, environments (such as water and air), surfaces
and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, based on the analysis
of product or environmental samples. bioMérieux has
pioneered this business and is world leader.
In 2003, the company’s sales reached 914 million euros
(i.e., more than 1 billion dollars) and eighty two percent of
the company’s sales are international. The company is
present in more than 130 countries through 33 subsidiaries and
a large network of distributors, which positions the company
well to benefit from the growth potential of the in vitro diagnostics
market. Some important drivers that underpin this growth are
aging populations and age-related illness, illnesses related
to life-style and eating habits, the emerging new pathogens,
the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the fight
against bio-terrorism, the recognition of the importance of
the quality of food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The company employs more than 5300 people worldwide.
bioMérieux is listed on the Premier Marché of
Euronext, Paris (FR0010096479 – BIM).
Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Work Injury and Illness Rates, 2002.
Moore, S. and Garg, A., "The Strain Index: A proposed method
to analyze jobs for risk of distal upper extremity disorders",
American Industrial Hygiene Assoc. Journal, 56:443-458, 1995.
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