Performing tens of thousands of COVID-19 tests means you need lots of supplies, including, yes, nasal swabs. To keep up with testing demand, Sparrow is now the only health system in Mid-Michigan using the latest 3D technology to produce its own nasal swabs.
This past Tuesday Sparrow officials showcase the new technology and displayed it in action. Experts from Sparrow Laboratories explained how it works and what it means for our community.
A 3D printer at Sparrow Laboratories creates nasal swabs for COVID-19 tests one millimeter at a time.
Over the course of about four hours, the printer will produce 410 plastic swabs, Dan Krawczynski explained while showing reporters swabs that were fresh off the printer.
After three alcohol baths to rinse off resin, some time to dry, a brief curing process to solidify and some quality control, the swabs are ready to use.
Sparrow officials also discuss the latest news on Sparrow COVID-19 testing and plans to expand their testing capability. Sparrow has been a national leader in performing the nasal swab or PCR test, becoming one of the first hospitals in Michigan to offer tests for inpatients and to open a drive-thru testing site.
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Sparrow Health System is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.
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