•In a recent virtual press conference, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shared the design of the government-approved specimen collection booth for COVID-19 testing.
•Created by the Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise (FAME), the design is available for download via DOST’s official website.
•Interested manufacters may use the design for free, but must follow the specifications strictly.
In support of calls for properly implemented mass testing for COVID-19, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shared the design of their approved specimen collection booth (SCB) in an online press conference last April 27.
Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise, Inc. (FAME), a grant awardee of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), crafted the SCB design, following strict guidelines from the agency.
Fabricators and engineering groups interested in using the designs may do so for free. However, they must strictly adhere to DOST’s specifications, with approval from the Department of Health (DOH).
“We believe that opening up the SCB design to the public will support in the government’s drive to conduct mass testing and immediately provide help to those afflicted with COVID-19,” according to DOST secretary Fortunato de la Peña.
What’s in a specimen collection booth?
According to DOST’s approved guidelines, the booth structure should have angle bars for the frames, plywood walls, and a clear, waterproof acrylic window. The booth should measure 1m x 1.5m x 2.25m (L-W-H), with a heavy-duty 4-inch caster wheel for mobility.
The specimen table is designed to be slanted, providing adequate leg room for both the patient and the tester. The tester will relay instructions clearly and audibly to the patient via a Bluetooth speaker.
The SCB should have a 0.5 horsepower window-type air conditioner and a roof-mounted ventilator with filter. The booth must also be equipped with a pressure sensor to maintain positive pressure inside, preventing outside contamination.
Inside the booth should be two Monobloc chairs, semi-disposable untexturized nitrile gloves, disposable clear plastic gloves, and plastic bags for disposing used gloves. It must also have a disinfectant dispenser, as well as a FAME-designed temperature scanner.
How to get the SCB schematics
DOST has allocated funds for the creation and distribution of 132 SCBs across the Philippines. As of April 27, the agency has already distributed 53 SCBs in Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
Interested parties may obtain the schematics for the SCB at no cost from the DOST-PCIEERD website (click here).
Cover photo: DOST-PCIEERD
References
- http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/library/fame-design
- https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/30/20/dost-shares-design-for-specimen-collection-booths
- https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100424
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
