The FDA is planning to hold a virtual town hall meeting from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 15, for researchers, clinical laboratories, and commercial manufacturers to discuss the production and use of 3D printed swabs during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The meeting is a collaboration between the FDA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Innovation Ecosystem, and the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) 3D Print Exchange.

Representatives from each of these agencies will discuss their proposed regulatory science research aims regarding the design, manufacturing, and use of 3D-printed swabs during the COVID-19 public health emergency. They will also provide an overview of their partnership, including best scientific practices and processes for the manufacture and validation of these 3D printed products, and will answer technical questions about the proposed scientific research regarding the development and validation of swabs manufactured through unconventional means for use with COVID-19 testing.

Registration is not necessary. To participate, dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. More information is available here.