Eppendorf MixMate has introduced a vortexer that is available with independently verified data showing the low transfer of hand-arm vibration during its operation.
EU Directive 2002/44EG addresses the need for regulations protecting employees from hazardous mechanical vibration.
Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration leads to an increased risk of painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles of the hand, wrist and arms, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
Using a vortexing procedure to mix liquids causes transfer of vibration to the hand and arm.
The actual risk and daily maximum dose of exposure incurred by the Eppendorf MixMate with integrated vortexing function were analysed and summarised by the Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre.
The results make MixMate the first vortexer for which detailed hand-arm vibration data is available.
Dr Sabine Kuhn, Eppendorf's MixMate product manager, said: 'The independent assessment showed a lower level of hand-arm vibration transfer from Eppendorf MixMate compared with a commonly used vortexer from another manufacturer.
'MixMate's optimised two-dimensional rotating motion not only reduces hand-arm vibration, it also provides rapid, reproducible mixing and vortexing for numerous tube and plate formats,' she added.
