Nasal swabs became the go-to upper respiratory (URI) sampling method during COVID-19. But at what cost to lab efficiency?
At a time when the world needed a high-performing diagnostic solution — and fast — broken-off swabs, inconsistent specimen quality, inferior sensitivity and human error quietly, but quickly took a toll on lab automation pipelines.
However, workflow challenges of the past have opened a window of opportunity to find a better, swab-free solution for future outbreaks that optimizes lab productivity and health outcomes.
It’s time to take a closer look at what’s really slowing your lab down — and how a smarter specimen collection method, like evolved nasal lavage, can seamlessly help you achieve high throughput.
Broken Swabs Retained in Sample Tube Lead to Extraction Errors
One of the largest deterrents to lab automation and efficiency is the dreaded broken-off swab in the sample tube, typically due to fouling of the automated pipette requiring manual extraction of the swab.
When technicians must physically reach into the specimen tube, they risk disease exposure for themselves as well as testing errors and limited throughput for the lab.
Just one clogged extraction needle or pipette tip can significantly slow lab processing and increase costs by up to $20,000 per year, as lab professionals must stop what they’re doing and get hands-on to intervene.
Inconsistent Samples Yield Inconsistent Results
High throughput in the lab starts with a high-quality sample from the patient, but nasal swab techniques vary greatly depending on the user, especially with self-administered tests.
If the user performs the test incorrectly, or jerks or flinches during it, the integrity of the collected specimen will suffer. In turn, the machine won’t be able to capture adequate RNA from the specimen to determine a valid, conclusive diagnosis.
That means more re-runs and follow-up tests, which further bog down workflows and create congestion in the lab.
What’s more, this prolongs appropriate diagnoses and treatment for patients, contributing to ineffective virus containment.
Evolved Nasal Lavage: A High-Throughput Solution for Lab Inefficiencies
Evolved nasal lavage sampling methods capture highly sensitive specimen from the entire nasopharyngeal cavity without the breakage risk of a swab. With this method, labs seeking seamless lab automation can expect:
- No manual swab extraction errors
- Less disease exposure risk for lab professionals
- Improved test validity and consistency
- High throughput without increasing labor
- Timely diagnoses and public health response
- More time, money and patient lives saved
Discover the Macro Potential of MicroWash
When it’s time to replace the swab, don’t settle for just any evolved nasal lavage solution.
Meet MicroWash, a first-of-its-kind nasal lavage specimen collection device that’s quickly becoming the new gold standard in sampling.
Since the MicroWash system and transport tubes are swab free, there are no manual extraction errors that can result in PCR testing complications. Plus:
- MicroWash integrates smoothly into your existing lab workflows and processes
- Samples offer up to 49% greater sensitivity compared to swabs, which means fewer false negatives, fewer retests and faster action.
- A longer shelf life and low patient pain ratings also contribute to smoother testing.
Additionally, MicroWash supports the shift toward extraction-free PCR testing. are actively exploring solutions to keep specimens intact from start to finish.
Contact our team of medical experts to learn more about how MicroWash can enhance your lab automation while supporting high throughput and boosting diagnostic accuracy.
