Flashing lights, thoughtful design, smaller footprint = next generation BD BACTEC FX Improved usability impacts clinical decisions for patients with bacterial infections

Philadelphia, PA – December 4, 2008-- Bresslergroup, an award-winning product development firm, worked with BD to design the next generation of a critical hospital laboratory system. The BD BACTEC FX Blood Culture System is used by technicians in hospital labs for the detection of potentially fatal patient bloodstream infections.

While BD’s BACTEC blood analysis system had been an industry standard for nearly two decades, BD selected Bresslergroup to develop a 21st century version of the device. Bresslergroup conducted multi-dimensional user research that included laboratory site visits, human factors analysis and prototype usability validation. Lab-based observations and interviews with technicians using legacy and competitive products were conducted, and several new configurations were tested. Three key needs were identified: improve the user experience, including the ergonomics of loading and unloading the blood specimens; enhance the lighting and visual cues for identifying detected positives more rapidly; and streamline the overall size while not decreasing the 400 vile capacity of the equipment. Since labs are extremely crowded environments, the new BACTEC FX would have to both fit in (spatially) and stand out (visually).

The resulting design breaks new ground with significant design improvements that address usability and workflow. Most dramatically, critical results feedback is displayed by the unmistakable ring of status indicator lights (see attached images). These LED lights can be seen quickly by hospital personnel, even across a crowded lab. From the exterior ring of lights, a red light indicates a positive test which could indicate a staph or other serious bacterial infection. The flashing red light leads the lab technician to the proper rack inside. Here, another red light identifies the positive blood sample.

The user experience is simple, intuitive and actionable. ”The lighting sequence takes the user through the process and helps speed workflow and minimize error. When every second counts, this new BACTEC FX improves throughput and efficiency.” says Mathieu Turpault, design director at Bresslergroup.

Bresslergroup’s human factors research led to a vertical stack design that is easily accessible to personnel with heights ranging from the 5% female to the 90% male. Ergonomically, the vertical drawer configuration allows increased vial capacity while improving the technician’s ability to reach high and low vials. On-board scanners enable easy, one-handed sample login and registration. And, the new BACTEC FX System offers a 400-vial capacity in a highly compact 24-inch linear space: a 50% reduction in overall size from the earlier model. Additionally, the system enables remote observation of blood culture data through integration with the BD EpiCenter Microbiology Data Management System. All the information is available by e-mail, text messaging or fax. By design, the BD BACTEC FX improves ergonomics, safety and efficiency for the laboratory technician, while reducing the time for actionable results to the healthcare provider and patient.

Back to press section >>