FDM 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19

Currently, there is a shortage of collection swabs to run COVID-19 tests.

To address the shortage, 3D-printed swabs are being developed by form labs as well as other companies. These 3D-printed swabs rely on SLA printing technology.

A swab which could be printed by FDM technology would be easier to source, as FDM printers are more widely adopted than SLA printers. In addition, FDM printers in general, can print faster than SLA printers.

This is a prototype nasopharyngeal swab for FDM printers.

Design considerations:

-Flexible neck

-Sheild/guard to ensure all edges are smooth

-Swab designed to be thin enough to enter the nasal cavity and yet able to bind much fluid

-The front part of the swab can be easily detached from the handle for simple transportation

Please note, this swab has yet to be tested in a clinical setting.