Innovative design of 3D-printed nasopharyngeal pediatric swab for COVID-19 detection

Ameerah Alazemi 1, Ghadeer AbdulHussain 2, Abdullah Alawwam 3, Ali Al-Shatti 4, Mohammad Alghounaim 5, Sulaiman Almazeedi 6, Sarah Al Youha 6, Salman Al-Sabah 7

Affiliations

20 August 2021

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doi: 10.1186/s41205-021-00113-9

Abstract

3-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides a solution to meet the high demand for producing adult nasal swabs. A smaller, more flexible nasopharyngeal swab needs to be developed for children and infants suspected of having coronavirus. The information shared here presents a novel 3D-printed pediatric swab for the purpose of collecting upper respiratory clinical specimens.

Keywords: COVID19; Coronavirus; Nasal swabs; Pediatric; Three-dimensional printing.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1 Three-dimensionally designed nasopharyngeal swab for pediatrics (A) and adults (B) in which the tip of the swab has three pins/nubs

Fig. 1 Three-dimensionally designed nasopharyngeal swab for pediatrics (A) and adults (B) in which the tip of the swab has three pins/nubs

Fig. 2 Blueprint model of polyester tip applicator complete (A) and top (B) view. (C) Three-dimensionally printed polyester tip applicator used for assembly

Fig. 2 Blueprint model of polyester tip applicator complete (A) and top (B) view. (C) Three-dimensionally printed polyester tip applicator used for assembly

Fig. 3 A Design of the three- dimensionally paediatric swab. B Assembled three- dimensionally printed paediatric swab

Fig. 3 A Design of the three- dimensionally paediatric swab. B Assembled three- dimensionally printed paediatric swab

Fig. 4 Plastinated nasopharyngeal model with the pediatric swab (A) and adult swab (B) inside the nasopharynx. Pediatric (C) and adult swab (D) 180° bending test

Fig. 4 Plastinated nasopharyngeal model with the pediatric swab (A) and adult swab (B) inside the nasopharynx. Pediatric (C) and adult swab (D) 180° bending test

Fig. 5 A Design of the three-dimensionally adult swab. B Assembled three- dimensionally printed adult swab

Fig. 5 A Design of the three-dimensionally adult swab. B Assembled three- dimensionally printed adult swab

Fig. 6 A Pediatric swab inserted in VTM tube. B The swab inserted in the tube while keeping the breakpoint near the rim of the tube, applicator is broken from the break point indicator line. C The swab tip submerged in the VTM tube

Fig. 6 A Pediatric swab inserted in VTM tube. B The swab inserted in the tube while keeping the breakpoint near the rim of the tube, applicator is broken from the break point indicator line. C The swab tip submerged in the VTM tube

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