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This is an archive article published on September 28, 2020

New research: 3D printed nasal swabs effective in Covid testing

The only adverse reaction was a few instances of slight nasal bleeding. The cost of materials per 3D-printed nasal swab ranges from 26 to 46 cents; commercial swabs cost about $1 each, the authors said.

Construction labourers get screened for Covid 19 in Delhi (Express Photograph by Tashi Tobgyal)Construction labourers get screened for Covid 19 in Delhi (Express Photograph by Tashi Tobgyal)

Amid a potential shortage of nasal swabs to collect samples for coronavirus testing, researchers have come up with an alternative: 3D-printed nasal swabs. A clinical trial has provided evidence that 3D-printed alternative nasal swabs work as well, and safely, as the standard commercial nasal swabs.

The results are published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Researchers designed, tested and produced a 3D printed nasal swab prototype.

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The large-scale clinical trial began in late March at three sites: Tampa General Health (Florida), Northwell Health (NY), and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia). Other sites joined later.

The only adverse reaction was a few instances of slight nasal bleeding. The cost of materials per 3D-printed nasal swab ranges from 26 to 46 cents; commercial swabs cost about $1 each, the authors said.

Source: University of Southern Florida

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