6533b82dfe1ef96bd12909e4
RESEARCH PRODUCT
User-oriented evaluation of mechanical single-channel axial pipettes.
Erja SormunenNina NevalaNina Nevalasubject
Wrist JointEngineeringCumulative Trauma DisordersSurface PropertiesPhysical Therapy Sports Therapy and RehabilitationHuman Factors and ErgonomicsEfficiencyPersonal SatisfactionHand toolFingersIsometric ContractionTask Performance and AnalysisHumansUser orientedSafety Risk Reliability and QualityEngineering (miscellaneous)Man-Machine SystemsSimulationArthrometry Articularbusiness.industryClinical Laboratory TechniquesElectromyographyWork (physics)PipetteHand InjuriesUsabilityta3142Equipment DesignHandCumulative trauma disorderOccupational DiseasesForearmLaboratory PersonnelCross-Sectional StudiesAttitudeNew product developmentFemaleErgonomicsbusinessCommunication channeldescription
Hand tools should be designed so that they are comfortable to use, fit the hand and are user-oriented. Six different manual, single-channel axial pipettes were evaluated for such objective outcomes as muscular activity, wrist postures and efficiency, as well as for subjective outcomes concerning self-assessed features of pipette usability and musculoskeletal strain. Ten experienced laboratory employees volunteered for the study. The results showed that light and short pipettes with better tool comfort resulted in reduced muscular activity and perceived musculoskeletal strain when they were compared with a long and heavy pipette. There were no differences in the efficiency between the different pipettes. Combining both the objective and subjective measures enabled a broader evaluation of product usability. The results of this study can be used both in product development and as information on which to base the purchase of new pipettes for laboratory work.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-09-01 | Applied ergonomics |