CSIR-NCL Develops NP Swabs
Nasopharyngeal Swabs By NCL Pune
Global supplies of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are not dependable which results in variable quality, escalating prices, and supply chain delays due to the current pandemic scenario.
For collecting samples from the throat cavity of COVID-19 patients, an indigenous NP swab has been developed by the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune.
A nasopharyngeal swab is a medical instrument having stringent specifications of dimensions, polymer grade, sterilization, and quality. A brush-like tip of synthetic bristles/flocks on a cylindrical plastic stick is what an NP swab consists of. The NP swab bristles are of a micron diameter and these fine bristles can align in a parallel orientation on the stick head with the help of the flocking process, which makes it much like a toothbrush, except that this has round uniform geometry.
The polymer science and chemical engineering scientists of the NCL team include Dr. Anuya A. Nisal, Dr. Prakash P. Wadgaonkar, and Dr. Chandrashekhar V. Rode. The NP swab polymers and adhesives’ detailed specifications were successfully worked out by them. Medical-grade materials that must be used for the packaging and sterilization protocols, the swab design, and for the manufacture of the NP swabs
were included in the specifications. The Director of NCL, Dr. Ashwini Kumar Nangia noted, “This serves as a great example of validating the chemical analysis and optimizing the polymer specifications of an urgently needed medical swab product in a very short time.”Under the COVID-19 technology transfer guidelines of CSIR, to a Mumbai-based chemical company, the NCL has transferred the process knowhow of indigenous NP swabs for sample collection. NCL has suggested the next regulatory pathway for approval of medical devices to the company after confirming the polymer and chemical composition of NP swabs, alignment of bristles, and their diameter. 1 lakh NP swabs per day can be produced by the company.
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CSIR-NCL Develops NP Swabs
just pharmacy completed student can apply for this??