VITEK^® 2 software update makes lab workflow smoother than ever
By Jean-Philippe Pelotte, Global Brand Manager, bioMérieux
 

Have you ever wondered what makes a microbiology laboratory instrument efficient? Efficiency comes from flexible, ergonomically designed instruments and software that enable effective process control and information flow – all with minimal user interaction.

These principles were the driving force behind the latest software update for bioMérieux’s VITEK^® 2 instrument for automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ID/AST). VITEK^® 2 is considered the most efficient ID/AST system on the market with automated, standardized, same-day results^1-6 and the shortest sample preparation time in the industry^2,7-11.

Now, with the launch of VITEK^® 2 Systems 8.01 software, users will be able to make even more effective use of their systems. The intuitive, secure, web-based, customizable software helps streamline lab workflow with multi-user access from virtually anywhere, anytime. This software update is an opportunity for lab managers to rethink lab workflow, promoting more efficient and timely sample preparation.  VITEK^® 2 Systems 8.01 software lets users:

• Set up ID and AST cards remotely from any web-enabled computer without the Smart Carrier Station
• Enjoy simultaneous, customizable setup of multiple cassettes
• Review and approve isolate and patient information from any web-enabled PC

VITEK^® 2 Systems 8.01 software includes many updated EUCAST and CLSI breakpoints to meet 2015 published guidelines. Fifteen new microorganism IDs (table 1) are also included in this software release.

In addition, VITEK^® 2 systems 8.01 software will also be able to run cards containing the new antibiotic, ceftolozane/tazobactam. This antimicrobial enables determination of antimicrobial susceptibility to ceftolozane/tazobactam of Gram negative aerobic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa. This helps optimize treatment with Zerbaxa^®, by Merck.

Ceftolozane from Merck is a new cephalosporin that inhibits the PBPs of P. aeruginosa (e.g., PBP1b, PBP1c and PBP3) and E. coli (e.g., PBP3). When combined with the beta-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam, in vitro activity against Enterobacteriaceae has been demonstrated with  some ESBLs (TEM, SHV, CTX-M and OXA).  The combination has also demonstrated in vitro activity against P. aeruginosa with chromosomal AmpC, OprD, MexXY and MexAB.  For more information on ceftolozane/tazobactam, please visit the following website:  https://www.zerbaxa.com/

Please contact your local bioMérieux representative to discuss timelines for a software update to VITEK^® 2 Systems 8.01 software. 

Table1: New Microorganisms Available with VITEK^® 2 Systems 8.01

References

1. Barry J., Brown A., Ensor V., Lakhani U., Petts D., Warren C., Winstanley T. Comparative evaluation of the VITEK^® 2 Advanced Expert System (AES) in five UK hospitals. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2003; 51: 1191–1202.
2. Blondel-Hill E., Jang W., Lee I., Borton N., Book L., Thomas E. Comparison of Phoenix™ and VITEK^® 2 Compact for Performance of Identification and Susceptibility Testing, Workflow, and Time to Report. ICAAC 2006; Poster D-691.
3. Barenfanger J., et. al. J Clin Microbiol, 1999; 37(5): 1415
4. Galar A., Yuste J.R., Espinosa M., Guillén-Grima F., Hernáez-Crespo S., and Leiva J. Clinical and economic impact of rapid reporting of bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility results of the most frequently processed specimen types. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2012; 31 (9): 2445-2452.
5. Galar A., et. al. J Infect, 2012; 65(4):302
6. LaBombardi V.J. Maximizing the Use of the Advanced Expert System™ to Improve Patient Care. bioMerieux White Paper, 2011.
7. Ayats J., Cisnal M., Lucena J., and Marin R. Analysis of the Impact of Using a VITEK^® 2 COMPACT System in a Clinical Microbiology Laboratory: Comparison with the MicroScan WalkAway System®. ASM 2007; Poster C-158.
8. Eigner U., Schmid A., Wild U., Bertsch D., Fahr A.M. Analysis of the Comparative Workflow and Performance Characteristics of the VITEK 2 and Phoenix Systems. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005; 43(8): 3829–3834.
9. Heller-Ono A. Ergonomic Analysis Comparison of the VITEK^® 2 and VITEK^® 2 Compact with the Microscan WalkAway® 96 and Phoenix™ For Work Flow Efficiency and the Likelihood of Distal Upper Extremity Strain. bioMerieux White Paper, 2008.
10. Hooper M., Hill C., Hadwell V., Blondel-Hill E. Comparison of bioMerieux VITEK^® 2 XL, BD Phoenix, and Seimens MicroScan Walkaway96 plus choosing an identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing system for a medium sized microbiology laboratory. ECCMID 2013; Poster P-1536.
11. Römmler W., Beer L., Kessler M., and Kaehler K. Analysis of the Comparative Workflow and ID/ AST Test Result Accuracy of the VITEK^® 2 compact and the Phoenix™ Systems. ASM 2006; Poster C-123.