03. bioMerieux - Vital
In-vitro infectious disease diagnostics
The first automated instrument for blood culture using the H.F.T principle (Homogeneous Fluorescence Technology), which provides microbiologists with a high level of sensitivity.
Continuum researched the lab environments in which this device would be used, as well as the personnel who would interact with the machine; from lab technicians to service personnel. Continuum then developed architectural options which would meet the needs of new users as well as facilitate the placement of two Vital units in the same footprint as one of the competitors products. Continuum's solution incorporated a Vital Central Processing Unit (CPU) to control up to three analysis modules - each of which contain between two and four autonomous drawers. One drawer can hold up to 100 sample vials at a time. Each sample is immediately included in the analysis cycle once it has been inserted into the bar-code reader and placed in the free position indicated. From this moment on, kinetic reading is initiated, ensuring that each sample is continuously monitored. The bar-code reader is ergonomically located in the front of each compartment. Detection of positive samples is signalled by a red lighting symbol at the drawer's forehead as well as by a red icon beside the positive bottle. Vitla's modularity system brings great flexibility to the laboratory. The design solutions brought by Contiuum enhance sample management through rapid identification of positive samples and reduce possible errors in the manipulation of samples. 
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