Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Safer, faster and more comfortable Covid-19 testing with SwabBot

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/safer-faster-and-more-comfortable-covid-19-testing-swabbot
By Shabana Begum, The New Paper, 22 September 2020 at 06:00 am


(Above, from left) The team behind the bot comprises Dr Rena Dharmawan, Dr Paul Tern, Ms Hee Jia Yun and Dr Luke Tay.
PHOTO: (Above, from left) The team behind the bot comprises Dr Rena Dharmawan, Dr Paul Tern, Ms Hee Jia Yun and Dr Luke Tay.
Process by Singapore robot is also more comfortable than manual test, say doctors.
TNP PHOTOS: Ong Wee Jin
Picture posted by Shabana Begum, The New Paper on 22 September 2020 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObdb429-X1QMFmhkRwDxltUc-R-gR9G8QcDa8Q3_hDF610VFLOkyJzN5KSjzuYycoAOmG2o4ubvLlx1KC2UUXr1Uar08Xt4MA0h05B8a0wglyzqwsr6_Cb4ZML3MR9pulqvegPyPPcQ8/s780/NP_20200922_SBROBOT22_5977802.jpg
https://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2020/09/22/NP_20200922_SBROBOT22_5977802.jpg?itok=JLLhJSQC
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/safer-faster-and-more-comfortable-covid-19-testing-swabbot


A robot that carries out nasal swabbing to diagnose Covid-19 has been developed by clinicians who say the automated procedure is safe, faster and more comfortable compared with manual swab tests.

Although other countries have developed similar robots, the clinicians said this bot, called SwabBot, is the first that allows patients to fully control the swab process so they are more comfortable.

A patient sits in front of the robot while holding on to the handhold and latches his nostril onto the disposable nose-piece.


Dr Tay Hsien Ts’ung, Consultant, Department of Vascular Surgery, SGH, demonstrating having a test done by the SwabBot.
PHOTO: Dr Tay Hsien Ts’ung, Consultant, Department of Vascular Surgery, SGH, demonstrating having a test done by the SwabBot.
The made-in-Singapore bot allows patients to fully control the swab process for more comfort.
Picture posted by Shabana Begum, The New Paper on 22 September 2020 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUX-usOS2ry8xFMwWi8Xj8hvcBSjpflX6PFhJsWzlNqbmOo5oES-ZI1lF4DdtHSyDY8SZN3HtU3PuWmSC_5gskb84Qzpt2mg2AeqOumOS7T4UUVad4Mn1o2a7OlcCAKp64gcLr_LLOEY/s780/NP_20200922_SBROBOT22A_5977835.jpg
https://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2020/09/22/NP_20200922_SBROBOT22A_5977835.jpg?itok=xvT8DSW9
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/safer-faster-and-more-comfortable-covid-19-testing-swabbot


After using his chin to push a button and activate the bot, the nose-piece moves slightly upwards to widen the nostril. The swab will extend and rotate safely and gently through the patient's nose to the back of the nasal cavity.

SwabBot has a built-in feature that withdraws the swab stick if there is resistance when it is moved deeper into the nasal cavity.

If the patient feels uncomfortable at any point, he can stop the process by moving his head away from the robot.

The process takes 20 seconds while a manual swab test can take twice as long. At the end of the procedure, a medical worker opens the machine to remove and store the swab stick.


The made-in-Singapore SwabBot allows patients to fully control the swab process so they are more comfortable.
PHOTO: The made-in-Singapore SwabBot allows patients to fully control the swab process so they are more comfortable. It is also faster than manual swab tests.
PHOTO: NATIONAL CANCER CENTRE SINGAPORE
Picture posted by Shabana Begum, The Straits Times on on 21 September 2020 at 09:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukQttE4QEnJbk5HAHl5qquCqbGbmv6Cr5dz5SQehfIjr637yRrLy7JLNrFaQikV1O1JQrhaii0HAY60SJZ9ypLhSyHJdrd0v8wtqvUMzcR4L-pL2SdKUGv-ezZGrJ68h1a9A_ELJf200/s780/dw-covid19-swabbot-200920_0.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2020/09/21/dw-covid19-swabbot-200920_0.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/robot-that-conducts-swab-tests-for-covid-19-is-safe-faster-and-more-comfortable-for


The machine, which is 35cm by 40cm, and 49cm high, was developed by clinicians from the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH), in collaboration with medical robotics company Biobot Surgical.

"Our team felt that we had to find a better way to swab patients to reduce the risk of exposure of Covid-19 to our healthcare workers, especially when patients sneeze or cough during the swabbing process," said principal investigator Rena Dharmawan, associate consultant, head and neck surgery, at NCCS and SGH's division of surgery and surgical oncology.


Left to right: Clinical Associate Prof Tan Ngian Chye, Senior Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, SGH & NCCS.
PHOTO: Left to right: Clinical Associate Prof Tan Ngian Chye, Senior Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, SGH & NCCS. Dr Rena Dharmawan, Associate Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, SGH & NCCS, Clinical Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Centre of Technology & Development (CTeD), Duke-NUS Medical School. Dr Siti Radhiziah Binte Sudirman, Consultant, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, SGH. Dr Tay Hsien Ts’ung, Consultant, Department of Vascular Surgery, SGH. Ms Hee Jia Yun, Senior Product Engineer, Biobot Surgical Pte Ltd. Mr Kee Yew Hwee, Chief Technology Officer, Biobot Surgical Pte Ltd. Mr Sim Kok Hwee, CEO, Biobot Surgical Pte Ltd and ZIG Ventures. Seated: Dr Paul Tern, Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, SGH.
Picture posted by Singapore General Hospital (SGH), SingHealth Group on 21 September 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIKUn9UKlTUDQVMOsFSXZm_I7XRpjxfDGCdcgN3cHQ_y8WQu38F6acMLM_sXDcyMXyvM4556ZZWGPS9-gEylV7Nw8Od-1fsSq8nM9tK_QEgIGZn_5qFoL-aUG8PjFvnE8LR1EPcPTEdk/s580/swabbot-grouppic-main.jpg
https://www.sgh.com.sg/sites/shcommonassets/Assets/News/NCCS/2020/swabbot-grouppic-main.jpg
https://www.sgh.com.sg/news/covid19/made-in-singapore-robot-features-faster-and-more-comfortable-covid-19-swabbing


SwabBot retains the same gentle touch and precision as surgeons who perform very delicate procedures, said Dr Luke Tay, consultant at SGH's department of vascular surgery, who is one of the project's team members.

To date, a total of 85 patients from SGH and Bright Vision Hospital as well as volunteers have participated in the ongoing clinical trial that compares SwabBot against manual swabbing.


To date, a total of 85 patients from SGH and Bright Vision Hospital as well as volunteers have participated in the ongoing clinical trial that compares SwabBot against manual swabbing.
PHOTO: To date, a total of 85 patients from SGH and Bright Vision Hospital as well as volunteers have participated in the ongoing clinical trial that compares SwabBot against manual swabbing.
Picture posted by Shabana Begum, The Straits Times on on 21 September 2020 at 09:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHrPsJXyeeqXts-Tq0VZxtnsU4P6X9mU62qBmDBgQWc5eCGH_1J1yvG6h2JsfML4f5obmOSN2QWPfRuuogBRoOCd3DS-k1MNdcx7FDKKJeSShqVOpPzqNJCKQac3eeF6KI_2ln26MF1A/s1846/online_200921-nasal-swab-robot_latest.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2020/09/22/online_200921-nasal-swab-robot_latest.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/robot-that-conducts-swab-tests-for-covid-19-is-safe-faster-and-more-comfortable-for


EQUALLY OR LESS PAINFUL
All of the participants said the procedure with the robot was either equally or less painful compared with getting a manual swab, said Dr Dharmawan.

Volunteer Marco Lizwan, 25, a second-year medical student at Duke-NUS Medical School, said he was less worried when he was swabbed by the robot.


All of the participants said the procedure with the robot was either equally or less painful compared with getting a manual swab, said Dr Dharmawan.
PHOTO: All of the participants said the procedure with the robot was either equally or less painful compared with getting a manual swab, said Dr Dharmawan.
Picture posted by National Cancer Centre Singapore on 21 September 2020 at 1:50 pm - Dr Rena Dharmawan, Associate Consultant, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, SGH & NCCS, Clinical Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Centre of Technology & Development (CTeD), Duke-NUS Medical School and Dr Tay Hsien Ts’ung, Consultant, Department of Vascular Surgery, SGH
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH90GwQIsVKQp721K_TAMTg7ZQWEhpd3CPR275h3Vmgdfqn2Gh6ChihEIXW5323V5pCXunwhl_MexjCJiLzaCk20szGSQa05M7ZjQZ_cYQnWJkPqrnSRdBgai7WxW-sS0ENkZsE7rB254/s1226/119589484_10158821806284414_6980174857955281842_o_11.png
https://scontent.fsin9-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/119589484_10158821806284414_6980174857955281842_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=kyVDvpVtq-kAX8ezYds&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-2.fna&oh=6f7037b77d98b5700fce4f58f0a33125&oe=5F984417
https://www.facebook.com/NationalCancerCentreSingapore/photos/pcb.10158821820209414/10158821806269414


He said: "I found the robot more comfortable because you can (turn it on) whenever you are ready. So things are within your control. I was worried when I did the manual one because I was wondering if the swabber's hand will be shaky."

SingHealth and Biobot Surgical have filed a patent for SwabBot's technology. Biobot is also working to get the robot CE marked for it to be commercialised globally.


SingHealth and Biobot Surgical have filed a patent for SwabBot's technology. Biobot is also working to get the robot CE marked for it to be commercialised globally.
PHOTO: SingHealth and Biobot Surgical have filed a patent for SwabBot's technology. Biobot is also working to get the robot CE marked for it to be commercialised globally.
Photo: Caroline Chia
Picture posted by Temasek on 12 August 2020 - Manual swab tests
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaSsE7t0_TPgAtKGnW0QRW_EAKh-FNKsFbcON5v6H_fM91GuhyJx0AiJZuhKpJyuSGtoo2tuASQpR-OeA5OrPePCAYLXqN1TM-FtzimrxgE7EO1hV0y4xzHEXT45_iAv4sXDzgvf_VOg/s510/Covid+Swab+Booth_HERO_920x460_11.png
PHOTO: The media talks a lot about how many cases there are or how many more people have died but they rarely say how many people have recovered. . . . This pandemic is causing a lot of problems worldwide especially for small and independently owned businesses.

So please if you do go out, just keep a thought for those on the front lines helping in hospitals etc or those businesses that are struggling. Everyone is in the same boat and a little good deed to someone goes a long way (Matthew 5:16). Let's be encouraged by Christians and churches who have been encouraging frontline workers, assisting and ministering to those in quarantine or need, and giving out medical supplies.

Remember to wash your hands, avoid touching your face and use tissues when coughing or sneezing.
Stay safe and healthy! 😊❤️ - Craftea

God declares plagues over nations as an act of divine judgment for disobedience - yet we have not returned to Him (Amos 4:10). God can also use a pandemic to fulfill His purpose of redemption, teach us obedience and gratitude, and even stir up a revival. Difficult times will mark the coming of the last days of earth (Matthew 24:4-8). [2] While COVID-19 does not fulfill Bible prophecy, other diseases will get worse in the days ahead. The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse will cause one-fourth of the world to die by “sword and famine and disease and wild animals” (Revelation 6:8). [3]

So what should we do? Isaiah lived in a day when he saw the nation of Israel to his north totally destroyed, as well as 46 cities of his own land of Judah. His advice is appropriate for our own time as well. “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). [3]

And yet, what is so beautiful about God’s Word is His promise to love us and provide for us, regardless of how dire our situation is:
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54:10). [2]
Picture posted by Craftea on 21 March 2020 - Covid-19
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5seVSkgc2tzmGux6r67WoFbrnfWdiUCwlTpD710zYMH9Coo2aDuT2OzIFbxDLD009qu2lDSPBXiuYZF2UcmRE-LpunqNCo_VtTO1xeKODNbA3LWthc3TRHaEPiuyvsaBpAKUClhWgMw/s1132/covid_19_by_craftea_ddsu43o-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/3e5d2db4-293b-4653-a554-9205a428131a/ddsu43o-c25c1eed-4f2c-4e80-8d7e-1c08efeca380.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_1132,q_75,strp/covid_19_by_craftea_ddsu43o-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xMTMyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvM2U1ZDJkYjQtMjkzYi00NjUzLWE1NTQtOTIwNWE0MjgxMzFhXC9kZHN1NDNvLWMyNWMxZWVkLTRmMmMtNGU4MC04ZDdlLTFjMDhlZmVjYTM4MC5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9ODAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.3mhPn-mXTF5ixV5xvSzQMZUJLyDMDeZIUFTVfqCn72A
https://www.deviantart.com/craftea/art/Covid-19-834494532

By Shabana Begum, The New Paper, 22 September 2020 at 06:00 am
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now


Other stories



Reference
[1] Shabana Begum, The New Paper, Safer, faster and more comfortable Covid-19 testing with SwabBot, posted on 22 September 2020 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/safer-faster-and-more-comfortable-covid-19-testing-swabbot

[2] Madeline Kalu, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer, Does COVID-19 Fulfill Biblical Plague Prophecies?, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/does-covid-19-fulfill-biblical-plague-prophecies.html

[3] Rev. Dr. Rick Griffith, What in the World is God Doing in COVID-19?, https://www.sbc.edu.sg/what-in-the-world-is-god-doing-in-covid-19/


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
at