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Because 3D printing allows for it to be deployed quickly and easily, a newly developed at-home COVID-19 test could be a game-changer in the ongoing battle against the virus.
自2019年全球共同19日大流行以来，全球各国政府一直急于制定评估，追踪和隔离计划，旨在阻止病毒的传播。尽管已经建立了许多测试设施，并且疫苗接种率正在上升，但仍然需要进行大规模的互联测试，并且在人口筛查方面仍然存在许多缺陷，这主要是由于结构性问题，尤其是在偏远和欠发达地区。
COVID-19的家庭测试
弥补测试短缺的一种有希望的解决方案是促进普通人可以自我管理的室内测试。
首选的COVID-19测试方法使用称为聚合酶链反应（PCR）的遗传技术，但是PCR测试的复杂性质使得很难进行自我测试。另一种称为环介导的扩增（LAMP）的遗传技术更简单地施用，并且可以在最早的阶段检测到COVID-19的感染。市售的灯溶液通过将测试标本变暖至60°C至70°C来评估测试样品，但是这些在家测试的结果可能不可靠。因此，荷兰瓦格宁根大学的研究人员开发了一种新型的Covid-19自我管理测试。
Coronaspresso Covid-19测试
To facilitate an at-home testing setup, the researchers tested an array of household appliances that could be used as a heat source for their LAMP-based tests as a means of heating their samples. After considering the standard household oven, dishwasher, and other appliances, the study team was able to successfully develop a testing model that uses a single-serve Nespresso coffeemaker, and thus dubbed their system the "Coronaspresso".
该系统使用廉价的基于石蜡的蜡，熔点约为64°C。蜡使标本以相对较低的价格以稳定的速度加热。
为了进行测试，将6克的石蜡蜡放在一个空的Nespresso Pod中，将豆荚悬挂在一锅沸水中。然后将测试小瓶装载有样品和底漆，这些样品和引物旨在识别Covid-19基因组的特定讲述区域。将泡沫插入物和3D打印的小瓶固定器放在蜡的顶部，然后将测试小瓶悬挂在融化的蜡中25分钟。
After the samples cooled for three minutes, the researchers performed a visual inspection of their LAMP test vials: A pH reaction triggered by the presence of COVID-19 genetic material caused a yellow-hued color to appear in the vial. In their study report, the researchers said they were able to confirm a high degree of efficacy for their novel solution using PCR tests for comparisons.
While the scientists effectively confirmed their method, they recognized that it currently needs a complex RNA-extraction step before testing can commence. Also, while the vial holder could be 3D printed, the paraffin wax, Nespresso vials, foam float, test vials, and test reagents all need to be sourced.
荷兰大学团队表示，他们计划开发能够直接测试唾液的更好套件，并测试其他传染病。
在与Covid-19的战斗中使用3D打印
自大流行开始以来，已经通过多种方式实施了3D打印，以打击该疾病，包括创建新型评估工具包。卡内基·梅隆大学（Carnegie Mellon University）的研究人员制作了3D打印的传感器，可以在十秒钟内识别Covid-19抗体。
许多3D打印服务提供商都扩大了生产鼻拭子的使命。发现3D打印的拭子的结果与通过商业拭子取得的结果的90％相匹配，并且在另一项努力中，匹配率为94％。两种结果都被认为表明拭子令人满意。
为了回应扩大的鼻拭子和其他医疗设备的生产，食品药品监督管理局（FDA）发布了与Covid-19的3D打印诊断项目相应的更新指南。对于鼻拭子，FDA表示，它不需要市场前通知，制造商不需要紧急使用授权（EUA）进行分发。
3D打印的几个主要好处之一是其直接从数字性质。由于用户可以轻松地从数字文件中生成项目，因此可以轻松地从Internet存储库中采购设计。目前，有许多文件存储库可提供用户共享的3D打印文件。这些数据库允许免费交换文件和信息以进行3D打印。
Nasal swab designs can be found on online file databases, including a model designed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Even though these designs come from prominent sources, it is difficult to confirm which designs have gone through any clinical validation.
资源和进一步阅读
Hanaphy，P。科学家的快速新Covid-19测试套件的3D打印可以少于20便士。3D打印Industry. [Online] Available at:https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/scientists-rapid-new-covid-19-test-kit-can-be-3d-printed-for-less-than-20p-188575/
史密斯，L。Your Nespresso pods could soon double as a COVID-19 test。Fast Company. [Online] Available at:https://www.fastcompany.com/90622543/your-nespresso-pods-can-double-as-a-covid-19检验
Longhitano, G.等。The role of 3D printing during COVID-19 pandemic: a review。增材制造业的进展。[在线]可用：https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7685299/
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