Northwell Health, the largest healthcare system in New York, has begun 3D printing its own nasal swabs to be used for coronavirus testing. Many experts implore that testing is the key to “flattening the curve” of coronavirus hospitalizations, as people who test positive are able to isolate and avoid spreading the virus to others.
Reuters reported that Northwell can now produce 3,000 swabs per day alongside the University of South Florida (USF), Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and privately held, Massachusetts-based 3D printing company Formlabs. Researchers from all four institutions collaborated to develop a successful prototype. Any hospital equipped with a 3D printer and materials can now replicate their process.
“In the case of the nasal swabs, medically recognized SLA 3D printing systems and materials—commonly used in the dental industry—have been adapted to fulfill production of nasal swabs,” 3D Printing Media Network wrote. “The resin-based process offers high-resolution printing, which is needed for the fine components, while biocompatible materials that have already undergone certification for dental applications can be used right away.”
