How many pipetting repetitions did you perform today? It is not unreasonable to expect certain users perform between 6,000 to 12,000 pipetting repetitions per day! It's no wonder that stress related injuries are a growing concern to lab staff, with recent studies showing an increased susceptibility of pipette users to repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Uninterrupted pipetting can be very strenuous, especially on the shoulders and right upper arm. Occupational causes of RSI's include forceful exertions, such as tip ejection from pipettes, repetition, excessive wrist bend, deviated posture and sustained static exertion if muscles are not given enough recovery time.
In response to these growing concerns, the Finnpipette took the next step in ergonomic evolution and thus emerged the Finnpipette Focus. In 2002, the ergonomics and usability of Finnpipette Focus were independently evaluated. The purpose of the study was to compare the ergonomics and usability of five different mechanical pipettes. In the study, 11 healthy female laboratory employees (aged 30-49) of four different laboratories were monitored while pipetting. The study involved measurements of electrical muscle activity, wrist angles, pipetting strain on the right side of the body, as well as the usability and efficiency of pipettes.
The results showed that the Finnpipette Focus was the best model. Its use resulted in lower right wrist angles and lower electrical activity in the long thumb flexor. It was also judged to be the least straining and most usable pipette. Of the test subjects, a significant 73% chose the Finnpipette Focus as their favourite model. Download full study below.
The Finnpipette Focus is available in a range of single channel and multichannel pipettes. With a choice of short and long tip cone models, the range allows you to choose the most comfortable and ergonomic pipettes for your needs, so that you can focus on your work.
Special Offer for Subscribers Pathtech is currently offering the Good Laboratory Pipetting Package valued at $1043 for only $850 (ex GST). This includes 3 Focus pipettes, plus one rack each of FT-250 and FT-1000 Finntips and a library of useful ergonomic information. Contact us for more information.
Need to brush up on your technique? Pathtech offers FREE seminars for your laboratory staff in Good Pipetting Practices. Contact us now for bookings.
How many pipetting repetitions did you perform today? It is not unreasonable to expect certain users perform between 6,000 to 12,000 pipetting repetitions per day! It's no wonder that stress related injuries are a growing concern to lab staff, with recent studies showing an increased susceptibility of pipette users to repetitive strain injury (RSI).
