Award-winning innovation
The USF team used Formlabs 3D printers and biocompatible autoclavable materials to make swabs for COVID-19 testing. [Image courtesy of USF]
A 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swab patented by the University of South Florida helped healthcare providers manage a global shortage of testing swabs in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team developed the 3D-printed prototype in one week in March 2020 and shared the design for free with organizations, leading to the production of more than 100 million swabs. That act of innovative altruism won the Patents for Humanity prize from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“This recognition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office validates both the tremendous power of academic medicine, especially during a crisis, and the values and commitment these teams have for contributing to the greater good,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, EVP for USF Health.
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