Exactech Collaborates With University Of Florida To Produce Nasal Testing Swabs During COVID-19 Pandemic

Exactech announced today a collaboration with University of Florida Health and UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering to help meet the demand for nasal swabs used in COVID-19 testing.

Gainesville, Fla. (May 21, 2020) – Exactech, a developer and producer of innovative implants, instrumentation and computer-assisted technologies for joint replacement surgery announced today a collaboration with University of Florida Health and UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering to help meet the demand for nasal swabs used in COVID-19 testing.

With an existing 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swab design in hand, UF Health sought out a local, certified medical device production facility where the swabs could be produced quickly in accordance with federal guidelines. Thanks to a long-standing partnership between UF and Exactech, the collaboration between the two organizations was a natural fit.

“When UF Health asked us to explore alternatives to obtain more swabs to increase testing for the coronavirus, we were very pleased to learn that Exactech could help us quickly stand up an operation,” said Forrest J. Masters, Ph.D., a professor and associate dean of research and facilities at UF’s College of Engineering, who is credited with the idea. “Our community is fortunate to have such excellent resources and expertise in place.”

Exactech provided laboratory space at its Gainesville, Florida headquarters and a team of experts to quickly establish a fully functional production line for the UF staff to operate. The company shared its proficiency in 3D printing, quality systems, testing, manufacturing process documentation and familiarity with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. They were also able to provide four 3D printers in addition to the 10 contributed by local UF departments and partners. By early May, production capacity had reached approximately 4,500 swabs per day, with a goal of manufacturing 100,000 swabs over the course of the partnership. From Exactech, the swabs are sent to UF Health for final sterilization and packaging.

The 3D printing process offers a significant advantage over conventional manufacturing because the swabs can be produced using computer-assisted design software and compact printers, according to Robin Barney, Exactech’s senior vice president of operations and supply chain. “By having the right people, technology and procedures in place, Exactech was able to help rapidly expedite the production timeline,” Barney said.

Exactech views this project as a welcome and timely continuation of its collaboration with UF. “We’ve collaborated with some of the world-renowned surgeons and faculty at UF Health on the advancement of orthopaedic implant designs that improve patient mobility,” said Exactech CEO Darin Johnson. “Coming together now, to support testing for COVID-19, is an unexpected yet extremely rewarding milestone in our continuing association. We are honored to join forces in another true partnership in patient care.”

All photos courtesy of UF Health