Ivor Campbell is Chief Executive of Callander-based Snedden Campbell, a specialist recruitment consultant for the medical technology industry. By Ivor Campbell ONE of the positive outcomes of Scotland’s response to the Covid pandemic has been a significant growth in our medical technology industry. From nowhere a year ago, PCR testing is a term now familiar to the public. Existing medical technology companies are reconfiguring their operations to address a burgeoning demand for diagnostics equipment and new companies are springing up all the time. So why, in the face of this unprecedented demand, are we now faced with an impending shortage of world-class scientists, engineers and technologists?
A NEW 3D printed Covid-19 testing swab which can collect sufficient viral material from the back of the nose - without need of a throat swab - is now being manufactured in Scotland. The nasopharynx 3D printed swabs provide a less intrusive experience, cut testing time, reduce anxiety, and minimise discomfort for patients. The Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) and the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service at Scottish Enterprise have worked with Paisley-based company Abergower 3D Ltd, to help manufacture the new design. Once used, the swabs can be processed at labs including Lighthouse in Glasgow. Robin Prior, managing director of Abergower, said: “The advantages of using 3D printing technology to rapidly design, develop and launch a highly effective product to meet the challenge of the worldwide pandemic has been demonstrated through this collaboration.
A SCOTTISH company has produced the first nose-only Covid swab made in Scotland. While the Covid vaccine roll-out progresses, testing is predicted to remain part of our lives for a long time to come, especially for travel and group activities. The nose-only swab has now been manufactured in a collaboration between the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) based at Heriot-Watt University, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) and Paisley-based 3D-printing company Abergower. The 3D-printed swabs provide a less intrusive experience compared to traditional cotton bud swabs, cutting testing time, reducing anxiety and minimising discomfort for patients. MDMC and SMAS at Scottish Enterprise, along with other Scottish companies including E&O Laboratories and Andersen Caledonia, worked with the Scottish firm over the last 10 months to design and develop the swabs to UK and European specification and standards.