UGM Lecturer Builds COVID-19 Swab Test Cubicle

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gadjah Mada University (UGM) agricultural faculty lecturer Jaka Widada, M.P, Ph.D., recently built a device that would further assist healthcare workers in doing coronavirus (COVID-19) tests. The device is called the 'Swab Cubicle' (Bilik Swab). 

The 2-meters-tall cubicle will help doctors collect samples from patients through swab tests without having to wear personal protective equipment (APD) such as hazmat suits.  The cubicle enables healthcare workers to remain separated from patients while doing the swab test. 

Jaka said that he was inspired by pictures of South Korean medical workers who conducted swab tests while patients are placed inside the cubicle. The image inspired him to discuss the idea for the cubicle with his wife Camelia Hardini, who is an ENT doctor used to conduct swab testing to patients. 

"And my background is microbiology, I have some knowledge about germ-free chambers. The swab cubicle will remove the need to wear APD," said the University of Tokyo's Ph.D. graduate on Thursday, April 16, 2020. 

The cubicle itself measures 90x90 square centimeters with a height of 2-meters that has a door at the back. The front side of the cubicle is made of heavily-sealed glass with two cutout holes with gloves attached to conduct the tests. The cubicle's panels are made of aluminum composite.

Jaka said that the materials needed to build the cubicle are easy to get and relatively inexpensive to produce. "All of its materials are made with the most cost-effective ones and comply with medical standards." Jaka said while adding that one swab cubicle is expected to cost around IDR 7.5 to 8 million. 

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI