3D-printed nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19

thingiverse

Currently, a severe shortage exists for collection swabs required to run COVID-19 tests. To alleviate this crisis, 3D-printed swabs are being developed by Form labs and other companies using SLA printing technology. However, these swabs could be improved upon if they were printed with FDM technology instead. Such swabs would cost less, be easier to obtain since FDM printers are more widely used than SLA printers, and print faster. This would greatly benefit third-world countries where resources are scarce or during emergency situations when supply lines become congested. This is a prototype nasopharyngeal swab specifically designed for FDM printers. It's worth noting that there's no reason why it couldn't be printed with SLA technology as well. Key considerations in the design of this swab include: - A flexible neck to allow for smooth movement - A shield or guard to ensure all edges are rounded and safe - The swab must be thin enough to easily enter the nasal cavity while still being able to collect a substantial amount of fluid - The front part of the swab can be quickly detached from the handle, making it simple to transport Please note that this swab has yet to undergo testing in a clinical setting.