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Vaginal self-swab device to minimize contact contamination

A novel device that limits the contamination of the testing environment during STI self-swabbing.

Project Overview

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often under-tested in sexually active women due to asymptomatic presentation, socioeconomic barriers, and stigma. Consequently, common infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea remain highly prevalent, with nearly two million cases of chlamydia reported in 2022. Self-administered vaginal swab tests have been found to promote routine STI testing as they minimize the discomfort patients often face with physician-administered tests. During a self-swab test, a patient swabs their vaginal canal and then breaks the swab into an external tube containing media. This current method poses contamination risks, as the swab or spilled media may contact testing room surfaces. As a result, this project aimed to fabricate a device that limits contamination during vaginal self-swab STI testing. The fabricated device houses and breaks a Dacron swab within an external casing, leaving 6.5 cm for specimen collection. It also features three points of contact with the swab: two stationary supports on the interior and a mobile push button on the exterior, facilitating a three-point bending mechanism to break the swab at a perforation point and transfer it into the media tube. Additionally, a plastic base prevents the transport media tube from tipping over during the transfer process, minimizing spillage risks. Testing demonstrated the device's efficacy in reducing surface contamination and validated that the force required to break the swab in three point bending is less than the average woman's grip strength. Peer feedback indicated the device's aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and clarity of instructions. By simplifying the self-swabbing process and minimizing contamination, this device has the potential to enhance STI diagnostics' accuracy and promote universal testing.

Team Picture

From Left to Right: Cherry Qiu, Sara Morehouse, Adam Berdusco, Katherine Kafkis
From Left to Right: Cherry Qiu, Sara Morehouse, Adam Berdusco, Katherine Kafkis

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Sara Morehouse - Team Leader
  • Cherry Qiu - Communicator
  • Katherine Kafkis - BSAC & BWIG
  • Adam Berdusco - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Stephen Foley - Advisor
  • Prof. Megan McClean - Advisor
  • Dr. Jean Riquelme - Client

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