The world’s first fully automatic SARS-CoV-2 virus test specimen collection device was put into operation on December 7 at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital in Riga, Latvija. The solution is thanks to close cooperation among three Latvian companies – E. Gulbja Laboratorija, JK Energo and Latvijas Finieris.

The use of saliva samples to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in the human body is described in the guidelines of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, proven in various international (including Latvian) scientific studies. One of the main advantages of the saliva test is the simplicity of the process, which does not cause discomfort to the person during sample collection. Also, no specially trained medical staff is required to collect the sample, and this can significantly expand the range of patients to be tested. Based on this knowledge, Latvia’s largest clinical laboratory E. Gulbja Laboratorija and the innovative engineering solutions company JK Energo have jointly created a unique idea – to develop the world’s first contactless analysis collection device. The aim is to ensure that anyone can conveniently and quickly submit a sample of saliva for the COVID-19 test at any time of the day, without involving medical staff at all.

Latvijas Finieris, which combines woodworking, metalworking and mechanical engineering competencies, was involved in the project as a production partner in the autumn of this year. The first prototypes of the device have been created in a joint work, the body and a number of internal elements were made of birch plywood produced by Latvijas Finieris, including the first functioning device, which has already been installed in Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.

“We are proud to be able to participate and contribute to such a project that is important for the whole society. The devise uses all the best properties of birch plywood: durability, flexibility, relatively low weight and easy processing. No less important – Latvijas Finieris birch plywood with brand RIGA is produced from sustainably obtained, renewable wood resources, stores carbon sequestered from the atmosphere and is easily disposable at the end of its service life. Currently, work is still underway on a ready-made, standard equipment solution and there is great confidence that birch plywood will be used even more widely in it.”

Māris Bumbieris, Director of the Machinery Plant of Latvijas Finieris.

It is expected that non-contact analysis collection devices could be located throughout the territory of Latvia. If the project proves successful, it will be possible to scale it beyond national borders.

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