The first mobile contactless specimen collection booth for CoViD-19 testing was developed by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) in collaboration with the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) Main Campus. The unit was deployed at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol last December 14.

Designed and fabricated by DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Startup Grant awardee Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise, Inc. (FAME), the SCBs passed initial performance assessment conducted at the Regional Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. The SCBs are compact, with good ventilation, and has a protective barrier for the healthcare providers and the patients. The testing will be conducted by seating each patient outside the booth while the medical professional collects their samples by swabbing their nose and throat using arm-length nitrile gloves built into the front window of the booth. The mobile specimen collection booth is very convenient and will prevent clustering of patients at the testing facilities as it can be deployed to different designated areas.

The fabrication of the SCBs follows the DOH-approved and validated design and specifications of FAME, Incorporated. The DOST VI has deployed a total of nine (9) units of contactless specimen collection booths (SCBs) to healthcare facilities in Western Visayas identified by the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Region VI (DOH-CHD VI). This is in addition to the six (6) units from Manila deployed last May 2020.

This DOST VI initiative is also in support of the DOH efforts in conducting mass testing and more importantly one way of preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the region. (DOST VI – KMU)