The COVID-19 crisis has proved the importance of technology for driving the healthcare industry and innovations. Not only have they tried and tested techniques that yielded results, but newer iterations have also developed to fight coronavirus. According to Dennis Begos, here are the top technological marvels that have been pivotal in this war against COVID-19.
AI designed 3D printed swabs
Medical 3D printing is increasingly getting use to create anatomical models. This capability has resulted in newer ways to manufacture face shields, ventilator parts, and nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 testing. Specially designed swabs have already undergone extensive clinical testing and are in regular use in parts of Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Some reports suggest that 3D printing should be looking at as the final solution since the process can be slow. However, 3D printed swabs perform better than traditional swabs, and with the latest technology. And printers, laboratories are now capable of producing around 1,000 3D printed swabs per day.
Dennis Begos on COVID-19 tests: Over the counter
CRISPR is the latest molecular tool used as a preventative strategy. To increase vaccine yields following the COVID-19 outbreak. To detect diseases and develop a specific diagnostic test for COVID-19. This could lead to a breakthrough into mass screening and testing within the next decade.
CRISPR can provide test results from a simple nasal swab within 20-minutes instead of the mandatory 3-6 hours for the current RT-PCR method of testing. The identification is based on a release of color as a display due to chemical changes during the test. According to experts, CRISPR will increasingly play a leading role during pandemics like COVID-19.
AI for real-time patient data
AI systems are getting used to collect raw patient data and various decision support tools for clinicians. The PSE or the Patient Status Engine is one such AI-driven system that used wearable sensors with wireless networks for extensive data collection and management concerning patient monitoring.
Bedside equipment clusters at the hospitals are detail, but they aren’t portable. In addition, most of the wearable products and equipment don’t necessarily provide enough information to make clinical decisions. However, with the advent of AI and better platforms, wireless healthcare connections and gateways can bring about massive change as real-time patient data reporting and quick-critical care monitoring are concerned.
Monitor social distancing
Precision tracking products based on UWB or ultra-wideband technology are leading the market to monitor social distancing. With the help of badges and watches, AI-driven applications are now capable of monitoring how closely an individual has come into contact with others. It monitors all this by real-time feedback with neighboring devices. As you can relay the data wirelessly to a cloud-based data inventory, experts can draw a pattern based on location and COVID-19 risk. The UWB is capable of measurements within a 10-cm margin of error.
From 3D printed swabs to COVID-19 detection via smartphones, technology is working hand-in-hand with the healthcare industry. Further innovations will only lead to a better quality of life for the human community.