MCF allows technician to collect samples with added protection, enables to collect almost 100-150 swabs per day
One of biggest cost to enable mass screening of COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test is the cost of PPE and technician to collect the swab samples from patients. The home collection model allows only a limited number of collections to be done by the technician in a day and each collection requires a new PPE. Developed countries have developed a model of drive-through testing centres but it is not apt for India where the ownership of cars per capita is much lesser.
In order to solve both the problems, Thyrocare has come up with a design where any ambulance can be converted to a mobile collection facility (MCF) for as low as Rs 5000 by making minor design changes. Check the video on how MCF Collection is done: https://youtu.be/lp67xsV6GUE
A technician sitting inside the specially designed ambulance will only have to take out his hands to collect the swab. The person who is getting tested will stand outside the vehicle. The MCF allows the technician to collect the sample with added protection, enables to collect almost 100-150 swabs per day. Since the MCF can move to any location it can be used for screening in housing societies, hospitals and corporates.
Thyrocare has tested the model with more than 5000 swab collections since 1st week of April and has released the designs for any institution or government to use it so that the cost of testing can be lowered to help better trace, test and treat the COVID-19 patients.
“In March end PPE cost was 1200+. Frugal innovation was the need. 80 per cent of our collections are using MCF. We have tested it successfully with support of BMC, if anyone wants to utilise the model, they can write to covid@thyrocare.com for the designs,” said Dr A Velumani, Chairman and Managing Director, Thyrocare Technologies.