Supply chain disruptions have led to shortages in test swabs which are used to collect respiratory samples. Lack of these test swabs can reduce a hospital or state's ability to test patients for COVID-19.
To address this shortage, many manufacturers, hospitals and individuals have designed non-traditional 3D printed swabs for COVID-19 diagnosis that could potentially meet demands for nasal swabs. However, questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of these swabs remain.
This study will provide additional, statistically supported evidence as to the safety and efficacy of novel swabs.