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Studies validate ergonomic pipette design
1. Studies Validate Design Objectives and Ergonomic Science
behind the Ovation BioNatural Pipette
Richard E. Scordato, VistaLab Technologies, Inc.
Abstract Axial style pipettes
The Ovation Pipette (Fig. 1) was introduced in 2002 and has received Traditional laboratory pipettes are designed and
substantial attention due to its innovative design approach. Numerous constructed along a single axis of operation (Fig. 2).
evaluations of the Ovation have occurred and thousands of scientists and The axis is defined by the plunger, the handle and
technicians now use the Ovation pipette on a daily basis. The purpose of the pipette tip. This style of design originated over
this paper is to discuss three particularly important studies performed since 40 years ago, primarily because it is a simple and
the launch of the Ovation. straightforward way of making a pipette. While the
science of ergonomics has advanced substantially
The first study was performed by the U.S. National Institute of during this time period, the axial pipette design is
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (1). In this study very detailed essentially unchanged.
measurements were taken of forces and postures during pipetting. This
The axial style pipette requires the user to employ
information was then analyzed for MSD risk factors. The study concluded
posture(s) that increase the risk of MSD’s. For
that the Ovation “showed a significant reduction in the most important
example, Figures 3a & 3b show typical pipetting
MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) risk factors for pipetting.”
postures when using axial pipettes. These postures
The second study was done at Duke University (2). This study supplied violate many recommendations for minimizing MSD Figure 2: Traditional
Ovation pipettes to randomly selected participants in order to assess the risk (8), however the axial design often makes Axial-Design
comfort and utility of using the Ovation on a daily basis. This study found an compliance with these recommendations
“Overwhelming preference for the Ovation in terms of ‘comfort’” and a physically impossible.
“Strong preference for the Ovation in terms of ‘Accuracy’ and ‘General use
Figure 3a: Elevated, “winged elbow”
throughout the workday.’”
The average human arm weighs approximately 6%
of the total body weight. Holding a pipette as
And finally, results are presented from VistaLab’s surveys of Ovation users. shown places the weight of the arm onto the neck
In these surveys users report a significant reduction in discomfort after and shoulder muscles causing stress and fatigue.
switching to the Ovation from their previous axial pipette. They also report For a 70Kg (150 lbs) person, the arm weighs 4Kg
(9 lbs). This is many times heavier than the pipette -
great satisfaction with the Ovation and highly recommend it to their peers. so a “light weight” pipette doesn’t solve the
ergonomic problem. The real issue is the weight of
the arm, not the pipette.
Introduction
Figure 3b: Over-rotated forearm and wrist
Significant risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to pipetting
Rotation of the forearm in a supinated position
have been well documented by governmental agencies and scientific
(palm up) and/or wrist flexion increases the fluid
organizations(3,4,5,6,7). The problems cited are not limited to just the pressure in the carpal tunnel. This increased pres-
thumb or hand, showing recurrent prevalence for other upper extremity sure can result in compression of soft tissues like
nerves, tendons and blood vessels, causing
injury. A commonly cited study(6) found that 58% of laboratory workers
numbness in the thumb and fingers.
reported shoulder problems, 44% reported neck problems and 44% reported
hand problems associated with pipetting. In VistaLab research, 45% of lab
personnel experienced measurable discomfort at least occasionally while
pipetting. The effects of even A recent report (9) compared five commercially available axial style pipettes.
minor injuries are cumulative, The study included models that have been available for many years, as well
and therefore represent as newer pipettes that claim to be“ergonomic” with features such as lower
significant risk to the plunger forces and improved grip. The report concluded that all the pipettes
individual over time. “strained the shoulder muscle, the finger flexor and the short thumb flexor to
Numerous organizations (8) the same extent” and that “the tested 1-channel pipettes caused more thumb
have recognized these risks muscle electrical activity and higher wrist extension (bending towards the back
associated with pipetting, or the hand) angles than those recommended by the relevant norms” (9).
and have developed
The evidence affirms that traditional axial design pipettes are fundamentally
guidelines as a method to
flawed by their geometry. Improvements to the axial design such as
limit the user’s exposure.
lowering plunger forces and improving the grips do not fundamentally
Figure 1: Ovation BioNatural Pipette
change key risk factors for MSD’s posed by axial pipettes.
2. Ovation National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The Ovation BioNatural Pipette (Fig. 1) is the result of several years of An independent study of the Ovation pipette was conducted in 2004 by
research into the ergonomics of pipetting. A team of ergonomists, engineers, Min Lung (Jack) Lu, PhD, of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
and industrial designers studied existing pipettes, the lab environment and Health (NIOSH) (1). NIOSH is the U.S. government agency responsible for
scientific literature. Unlike other pipettes in the marketplace, the Ovation research and recommendations for the prevention of work-related injuries
team started without any arbitrary design constraints, and invented the and illness. The research project was part of the National Occupational
“BioNatural” design in order to remedy the deficiencies of the traditional Research Agenda (NORA), which has identified the 21 most important
axial pipette style (10). The BioNatural design allows the user’s hands to areas of research for occupational safety and health.
stay low to the lab bench, the elbows and arms to stay close to the body,
and the forearm to be rotated inward (pronated). The grip was designed to The NIOSH researchers observed laboratory
minimize contact stress on the hand and thumb (Fig. 4a & 4b). workers performing lab functions and then
devised a simulation of the lab activity. The
Figure 4a usage of the Ovation pipette and two
The pipette’s contoured shape provides maximum traditional axial-design pipettes was then
stability and minimal contact pressure for the hand. randomized and a battery of ergonomic
A loose, relaxed grip increases available strength in
the hand, improving endurance and productivity dur- measurements was taken during the
ing pipetting. Rounded plunger and tip ejection simulation. Finger force was measured from
buttons with reduced forces minimize contact stress. 19 sensors in a glove worn during the trial
(Fig. 5). Wrist posture and forearm rotation Figure 5: Flexiform glove
were measured using a twin axis goniometer, with force
transducers
and shoulder elevation was measured using
Figure 4b video task analysis software. Measurement data was collected during the
The user’s arm elevation remains low, minimizing
stress to the elbow, shoulder and neck. The elbow
full cycle of pipette use: (a) picking up a pipette, (b) acquisition of a tip,
remains close to the body in a neutral posture to (c) aspiration, (d) dispensing and overblow, and (d) ejection of a tip.
maximize available arm strength. The wrist remains
in a pronated position and neutral range of motion The total finger force data from the NIOSH study are summarized in Figure 6,
throughout all pipetting operations, eliminating
and represent the sum of forces from all 19 sensors on the “glove” worn
repetitive twisting of the forearm and reducing pres-
sure on the carpal tunnel. during pipetting. Finger forces required to pipette with the Ovation were
significantly lower in each of the five steps of the pipetting process. In fact,
the axial pipettes required as much as five times greater total finger forces
Balance and weight were carefully considered, and an adjustable hook during the pipetting process than the Ovation. These low force requirements
enables the pipette to fit a wide range of hand sizes. A unique tip are a result of Ovation’s “BioNatural” shape which eliminates the high grip
acquisition system “clicks” when the tip is acquired, and an eject button forces necessary when using an axial pipette. Lower forces lead to more
activates a discard mechanism that pushes the tip off with minimal user comfort, less fatigue and lower MSD risk.
effort. The pipette’s form allows it to stand independently on a counter
surface, making it easier to pick up and put down, and eliminates the
repetitive twisting of the forearm that occurs when picking up or putting
down a traditional pipette.
The Ovation pipette employs a unique digital volume selection system. This
allows fast adjustment, precise setting of the volume, and memory presets
for fast recall of commonly used settings. The Ovation design has received
several patents (11) and was awarded the prestigious gold award by the
Industrial Design Society of America for best product design (12).
Ovation Study Results
The Ovation pipette was tested extensively during the design process for
minimization of ergonomic risk. In testing by ergonomists from
Ergonomics Technologies Corporation (13), the Ovation was the only Figure 6: Total Finger Force
pipette that was below the recommended limits for arm flexion and
extension, wrist flexion, and maximum muscle activity during tip ejection While total finger force requirements provide a much more comprehensive
(14). It was also the only pipette that enables the forearm to be in the picture of MSD risk than just the forces required from the thumb alone,
pronated position which has been shown to provide substantially lower isolated measurements of thumb activity were also performed as shown in
carpal tunnel pressure (15). Subsequent to introduction, the Ovation Figure 7. The Ovation showed significantly lowered thumb force require-
pipette has been further studied by VistaLab Technologies and several ments at each pipetting step when compared with the traditional pipettes.
independent groups.
3. Figure 7: Thumb Force Figure 9: Forearm Rotation
Wrist deviation was also significantly lower with the Ovation while picking
70
up the pipette, acquiring tips and during aspiration (Fig. 8). The data
showed statistically equivalent results during the overblow step, but higher 60 0 deg MCP
Carpal Tunnel Pressure (mmHg)
45 deg MCP
deviation during tip ejection. The observed higher wrist deviation is directly 50 90 deg MCP
attributed to a quirk in the simulation where the tip disposal bin remained at 40
the same elevation as used in prior lab practice (16). The Ovation pipette is
30
designed to eject the tips downward into a waste bin. If the disposal bin
20
had been placed as recommended, the wrist deviation data would have been
significantly lower during this step of pipetting as well. 10
0
Full 45˚ 0˚ 45˚ Full
Pronation Supination
Figure 10: Carpal Tunnel Pressure
Reference: Rempel D, Bach J, Gordon L, Yuen S. “Effects of Forearm Pronation/Supination
on Carpal Tunnel Pressure”, Journal of Hand Surgery 1998; 23A:38-42
Figure 11 shows a measurement of the percent of time that the shoulder
was elevated more than 45 degrees. In all cases Ovation was the lowest.
Once again, placement of the tip disposal bin below the counter height
would significantly lower the shoulder elevation observed with the Ovation
during tip ejection.
Figure 8: Wrist Deviation
Forearm rotation is shown in Figure 9. This graph represents pronation
(turning inward) and supination (turning outward) on the same
measurement scale. In the case of Ovation, rotation is pronated, while for
an axial pipette the rotation is supinated (Fig. 3 & 4). Research has shown
that carpal tunnel pressure is substantially higher when forearm rotation is
supinated (Fig. 10). Pronated rotation leads to posture with lower carpal
tunnel pressure, and lower risk for MSD’s.
Figure 10: Shoulder Elevation
The NIOSH study is an extremely detailed study conducted by an
independent government agency dedicated to the study of workplace
ergonomics. The conclusion they reached after analysis of the data was:
“The re-designed, low force pipette (Ovation) showed a significant reduction
in the most important MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) risk factors for
pipetting, as compared to two other traditional axial-design pipettes” (1).
4. Duke University Study Customer Surveys
The Duke University Department of Ergonomics evaluated the pipetting In order to assess how well the Ovation meets customer needs, VistaLab
experiences of 61 laboratory workers. Each participant in the study performed extensive surveys of Ovation users. These surveys were
completed an extensive questionnaire about their work habits, and the administered to randomly selected customers and represent customers who
location, severity and frequency of any discomfort they experience due to have used the Ovation for time periods ranging from a few weeks to two
pipetting. A summary of the discomfort data is shown in Figure 12. These years. The data was analyzed by the author.
data show a substantial amount of discomfort reported by laboratory
One of the most important objectives of the survey was to determine if Ovation
workers. The most frequent areas of discomfort were the neck (56%),
reduced the pain and discomfort from pipetting. Participants who reported
lower back, right shoulder (33%), right wrist (26%) and right hand (25%).
they had experienced pain or discomfort from pipetting prior to using Ovation
The thumb, which users frequently associate with pipetting discomfort,
were asked how that pain had changed since using the Ovation. 94% reported
was the sixth most frequently noted discomfort area.
that the Ovation had reduced their pain and the majority experienced
Half of the study participants were provided Ovation pipettes to use complete elimination or significant reduction of their discomfort (Fig. 14).
exclusively in their normal lab work for six weeks. These workers had no
prior experience with the Ovation. At the end of the study the Ovation How has Ovation affected your pain?
60
users were queried about their experience with the Ovation in comparison
to the pipette they used previously. The study reports: 50 45
• “Overwhelming preference for Ovation in terms of “Comfort’” 40
% 30
• Strong preference for Ovation in terms of “Accuracy” and “General Use
19
Throughout Workday” 20
15
14
10
6
0
No effect Some Moderate Significant Completely
Reduction Reduction Reduction Eliminated
Figure 14: Affect on Pain
Customers were also queried about their overall satisfaction with the Ovation.
Very high levels of satisfaction were reported (Fig. 15) and 96% reported that
they recommend the Ovation to their peers. Customers were also very
satisfied with the support they received from VistaLab Technical Support.
Figure 12: Summary of Discomfort Data
How satisfied are you with the Ovation?
60
48
50
One unexpected finding from the Duke Study was that users with small 41
40
hands found it difficult to open a microcentrifuge tube while
simultaneously holding the Ovation. They had to put down the Ovation to % 30
open the tube. This is not necessary with a traditional axial pipette– even 20
though this can cause considerable discomfort due to the high contact
10
6
pressure on the finger tips. 3 2
0
To address this issue, a cap opener 1 2 3 4 5
Not Satisfied Very Satisfied
accessory (Fig. 13) was developed that
can easily be added to the base of the
Ovation. The cap opener greatly facilitates
opening microcentrifuge tubes and Figure 15: Overall User Satisfaction
eliminates the high contact pressure on
the finger tips. The tubes can be quickly
opened while still holding the Ovation, so
productivity is significantly improved.
Figure 13: Cap Opener
5. Additional Products Summary
Following the success of the original Ovation pipette, a multichannel Ovation is a novel design approach to hand-held pipettes. It fundamentally
model has been introduced (Fig. 18). Conventional multichannel pipettes alters postures used to pipette in order to lower the risk of MSD’s. A major
can cause significantly greater ergonomic problems because the forces study by Lu et al of NIOSH analyzed the Ovation in comparison to traditional
required to acquire tips, eject tips, aspirate and dispense are multiplied. axial-design pipettes and concluded that the Ovation “showed a significant
It is also common to use multichannel pipettes for long periods of time. reduction in the most important MSD risk factors for pipetting.”
James et al of Duke University studied the Ovation when used by a group of
lab workers performing their routine work. These workers had an
“overwhelming preference” for the comfort of the Ovation and had a
“strong preference” for using it throughout the day.
VistaLab surveyed Ovation users in order to determine their satisfaction with
this pipette. 97% of customers express satisfaction with the Ovation and
96% recommend it to their peers. Of those who have previously
experienced pipetting discomfort, 94% reported improvement.
In summary, this data shows that:
Figure 18: Ovation 8 and 12 channel models • the Ovation pipette reduces the risk factors for MSD’s
• users find the Ovation more comfortable to use
The design of the Ovation • users prefer to use the Ovation during the day
Multichannel lowers the force
• 94% report reduction in pain or discomfort while pipetting
required to acquire tips and also
allows both hands to be used, • Ovation users have an extraordinarily high rate of satisfaction
further reducing stress to a
specific muscle group (Fig. 19). • 96% of Ovation users recommend it to their peers
An audible “click” indicates that
all tips are sealed so excessive
force is not applied. A very low
force ejection button discards all
tips simultaneously without effort. Figure 19: Tip Acquisition
The Ovation Multichannel is fully electronic, because the forces required to
depress the plungers manually are excessive. The electronic features also
improve productivity by enabling automatic multidispensing, dilution and mixing.
Footnotes
1. NIOSH Special Session – Ergonomic Intervention Studies, Presented by Ming-Lun (Jack) Lu, Ph.D, Research 9. Maija Lintula, Nina Nevala-Puranen, “Testing the ergonomics and usability of liquid dosage pipettes”, Kuopio
Ergonomist, Division of Applied Research & Technology Regional Institute of Occupational Health.
2. “A comparison of traditional and alternative pipettes - comfort and preference” Presented by Tamara 10. Calhoun et al., “Development and Evaluation of an Ergonomic Pipette to Reduce Musculoskeletal Injuries in
James, MS CPE, Ergonomics Director, Duke University and Medical Center. Laboratory Workers”, Pittsburgh Conference 2002; McKean et al., “Pipette Design and Cumulative Stress
Disorders: Radical Ergonomic Improvements needed to Prevent Injury, Pittsburgh Conference 2002
3. David G., Buckle P., “A questionnaire survey of the ergonomic problems associated with pipettes and their
usage with specific reference to work-related upper limb disorders”, Appl Ergonomics. 1997;28(4):257-262. 11. US6749812; US6601433; USD460193; US20020095998A1 (pending).
4. Baker P., Cooper C., Upper limb disorder due to manual pipetting. Occup Med. 1995;48(2):133-134.
12. Industrial Designers Society of America, 2001 Gold Winner for Industrial Design Excellence.
5. Fredriksson K., “Laboratory work with automatic pipettes: a study on how pipetting affects the thumb”,
Ergonomics. 1995;38:1067-1073. 13. Costello, Kevin J, The Evolution and Ergonomics of Pipetting. Laboratory Medicine 2005; 36 (9):533-536.
6. Bjorksten, M.G.; Almby, B; and Jansson, E.S., Hand and shoulder ailments among laboratory technicians 14. Various published VistaLab data sheets.
using modern plunger-operated pipettes. related upper limb disorders”, Appl Ergonomics. 1994;25(2):88-94.
15. Rempel D, Bach J, Gordon L, Yuen S., Effects of Forearm Pronation/Supination on Carpal Tunnel Pressure.
7. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), US Department of Health and Human Services - Journal of Hand Surgery 1998; 23A:38-42
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Labor - Occupational Safety & Health
16. NIOSH Special Session – Ergonomic Intervention Studies, Presented by Ming-Lun (Jack) Lu, Ph.D, Research
Administration (OSHA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), numerous
Ergonomist, Division of Applied Research & Technology. Oral comments by Dr Lu.
universities including Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Minnesota, University of
Michigan, University of California, University of Vermont, University of Rochester, University of Queensland.
8. NIEHS, CDC, NIOSH OSHA (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/ergoguid/home.htm; http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs
/Ergonomics/labergo.htm; http://odp.od.nih.gov/whpp/ergonomics/ergonomics.html;
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics; http://www.isber.org/MeetingArchive/00WorkshopNotes/barr.pdf
