Simon Ndirangu, a fourth-year biotechnology student at Kenyatta University, has come up with a 3-D printed nasal swab, an essential tool in the testing of COVID-19. “The swabs are made using ABS (acrynitrile butadiene styrene) material which is common thermoplastic polymer used in food packaging, toys and home appliances,” Simon says
SHORTAGE OF TESTING SWABS
Simon’s invention came at a time when the Kenyan government had sounded the alarm over the shortage of testing swabs. According to Simon, his invention can produce 3,000 swabs a day. The swabs are priced for as little as $1 granting the country a crucial advantage in the pandemic fight.