Low cost, injection molded, nasopharyngeal swabs for addressing global diagnostic supply shortages

作者：Manuel Ramses Martinez, Rachelle Mendoza, David John Perry, Elmer C. Gabutan, William Fyke, Eve S. Faber, Subodh J. Saggi, Jenny M. Tam, Isabel Chico‐Calero, Heather Centner, David M. Engelthaler, Laura H. Goetz, Timothy K. McDaniel, Noriyuki Murakami, Jenny M. Libien, Donald E. Ingber, Richard Novák · 发表于：medRxiv · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.1101/2021.07.19.21260235 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing、Respiratory viral infections research、Inhalation and Respiratory Drug Delivery

ABSTRACT The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, resulting in shortages of essential clinical supplies for the detection and treatment of COVID-19, including nasopharyngeal swabs (NP) commonly used to collect clinical samples for respiratory disease diagnostics. Groups around the world led a response to find alternatives to these shortages. Here, we describe the development of a single-component nasopharyngeal swab (GrooveSwab) composed of medical grade polypropylene that can be mass manufactured using conventional injection molding. The design inspired by cat tongue papillae consists of a non-absorbent stacked ring structure that allows for efficient and comfortable collection of viscous mucus samples and faster release into collection medium compared to traditional absorbent swabs. GroveSwabs were evaluated in 2 clinical studies in the US and Peru and demonstrated 90% or better concordance with commercial swabs. The simplified NP swab offers a reliable, lower cost, and more manufacturable alternative to absorbent swabs to avoid future shortages.