Thousands of COVID-19 screening test swabs 3D-printed.

En 72H, un millier d’éprouvettes d’analyses
du COVID-19 imprimées en 3D

The Laboratories CERBALLIANCE, VOLUMIC and LaFERME3D have joined forces to provide an unprecedented solution to the issue of testing kit shortages for COVID-19 thanks to 3D printing.
 
***

CERBALLIANCE (600 laboratories in France), mandated by theARS (Regional Health Agency) to conduct Covid-19 screening tests, is equipped in France with several state-of-the-art screening machines, each capable of performing over 150 daily analyses.

However, due to the unprecedented scale of the threatthe laboratories do not have enough test tubes (cups) to operate their machines at full capacity.
With suppliers unable to meet customer demands, the official supply chain is broken... Global shortages of test tubes have effectively rendered these crucial machines, vital in the relentless fight against the virus, out of service!
 
In an emergency, Dr. Vincent RAIMONDI,CEO and Medical Director of CERBALLIANCE Côte d’azur contacted VOLUMIC with a single request: to quickly design and produce an alternative validated version of these test tubes!
 
In less than 72 hours, thanks to the expertise of the FERME3D(especially regarding issues of sealing and large-scale production), VOLUMIC was able to propose a 3D-modeled and printed version of the test tubes to Dr. RAIMONDI's team.The team then quickly initiated technical validation tests, which confirmed that this new equipment could replace the missing versions in the screening kits.
 
VOLUMIC and FERME3D are therefore preparing to produce this essential consumable in large quantities for conducting SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR screening tests.
These screenings will be primarily offered to healthcare personnel to more closely assess and monitor the infection status of medical staff on the front lines against COVID-19.
 
Rapid COVID-19 testing is one of the key components for analyzing its spread and, later, confirming control over the epidemic, thereby enabling a safe return to "normal" life.
 
Thus, in less than 72 hours, 3D printing provided a vital and tangible solution (from prototype to mass production) to a sector known for its high standards and facing a critical supply chain shortage. This unprecedented solution has made it possible to once again operate screening machines at full capacity, thereby urgently addressing the exponential demand for testing across the country.
 
More broadly, the fact that the medical laboratory CERBALLIANCE and its reagent suppliers validate the reliability of these 3D-printed test tubes will trigger a post-crisis strategic reflection on the limitations of traditional manufacturing methodsand their critical dependencies on foreign suppliers..
 
In parallel, and always in close collaboration with health and scientific authorities as well as the international 3D printing community, VOLUMIC and La FERME3D have committed to other initiatives to combat the spread of the virus through 3D printing technology.
 
***

Now more than ever, 3D printing demonstrates its responsiveness and full potential to address even unprecedented crisis situations!