The University of West Florida, in collaboration with Form Labs 3D printing company, North Well, and Tampa General Hospital announces a successfully produced and tested 3D printed nasal swab, to combat with the scarcity that hospitals and health care face for testing covid-19.

Taking in initiative the high demand and limited supply of nasal swab to test covid-19 a team from USF Health’s 3D Clinical Applications Division teaming with Northwell Health in collaboration with Form Labs an ISO certified 3D printing manufacturer for prototypes and secure materials to create a 3D printed nasal swab as an alternative for NP swab for testing SARS Cov -2 the virus that causes Covid-19.

The prototypes were developed by using Form labs 3D printers and biocompatible, autoclavable resins, clinically tested by Northwell Health, USF Health and Tampa General Hospital for the sake of safety and comfort of patients.

This Key milestone in testing the swabs was conducted by the researchers of radiology and infectious diseases, including rapid and clinical testing at Northwell Health and Tampa General Hospital. All testing proved that 3D printed nasal swab could be an alternative for nasopharyngeal swab (NP swab) used for testing Covid -19.

“This is a prime example of the incredible impact we can have on human lives when teams of experts across academia, health care delivery, and the tech industry come together,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Formlabs’ CEO and co-founder, Max Lobovsky, said: “Formlabs has been working around the clock to assist in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re hopeful that our efforts will help patients get the care they need. The medical devices we supply to medical professionals on the frontlines battling this disease must be safe and work effectively so as not to put workers or their patients at risk. By working hand-in-hand with Northwell Health and USF Health to design and safely produce these swabs, Formlabs is providing a viable solution to the current shortage of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and can now produce them at scale to help hospitals better treat patients.”

“During this unprecedented time, Tampa General Hospital is proud to unite with USF Health, Formlabs, and Northwell Health to help save lives ultimately. I’ve been humbled and inspired by the perseverance, sacrifice, and teamwork of our clinical teams collaborating to create the 3D printed nasal swabs to test patients in need during emergency shortage situations. Thank you to Formlabs 3D printers for being the right partner to all of our physicians and teams working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of our community Couris,” president & CEO of Tampa General Hospital.

By turning to proven 3D printing technology to improve production processes, shorten supply chains and localize manufacturing, healthcare providers can quickly and efficiently gain better and beyond,” said John access to the supplies they need to combat COVID-19.