Sandia offers outdoor COVID-19 testing shelter

Sandia National Laboratories personnel is offering design specifications for an outdoor shelter shielding healthcare workers conducting COVID-19 testing on its licensing and technology transfer website.

The free design and instruction manual would yield a low-cost, drive-up outdoor shelter. The information is available via the laboratory’s licensing and technology transfer website.

“I was concerned about the pending personal protective equipment shortage, the continued safety of patients and healthcare workers, and also wanted to minimize waste from testing,” Dr. Cody Saxton, of Sandia’s medical team, said.
“Testing personnel run a high risk of exposure. The booth design provides safe testing conditions for both the tester and the patient, even if PPE resources dwindle.”

The enclosures are constructed from aluminum frames, acrylic panels, voice-activated radios, and arm-length rubber gloves, enabling a healthcare worker to swab a patient while standing inside the shelter.

The unit also has a ventilation system that maintains positive pressure inside the box to protect the worker further.

“I think this project really demonstrates the team’s commitment to mission and the innovative spirit to really make something happen,” Manager James Carney said. “I’m exceptionally proud of them and can share that they were excited to be able to contribute and make this process safer for nurses and technicians.”