Benchmark Aids in Production of Rapid, Lab-Free COVID-19 Testing System

Distribution of COVID vaccine is dominating COVID conversation, but testing is still a key in fighting the pandemic. Tempe-based global provider of engineering, design and manufacturing services Benchmark Electronics has been a player in that realm, with a key manufacturing partnership with genetic testing pioneers DnaNudge to deliver volume production of DnaNudge’s rapid, lab-free reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 testing system. 

Benchmark provided high-quality design, manufacturing and supply chain services to accelerate the development and manufacturing of DnaNudge’s CovidNudge device at lower costs. The new system is significantly faster than current lab-based COVID-19 PCR testing times, which take at least one to two days before a patient can receive results.

DnaNudge engaged Benchmark to apply its design for excellence capabilities to manufacture the CovidNudge NudgeBox and optimize it for maximum reliability and manufacturability. Benchmark also optimized the supply chain in support of the design for excellence recommendations and to rapidly launch and ramp production to get the product in the hands of healthcare professionals as quickly as possible.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Benchmark is working closely with medical customers to help develop and manufacture key devices used to support patients when it matters most,” says Jeff Benck, president and CEO of Benchmark. “We’re proud of our partnership with DnaNudge to bring its innovative rapid testing system to volume production at speed and help meet the demand for COVID-19 testing across the world.”

Benchmark has served the medical technology industry for more than 40 years. When the outbreak first began, Benchmark immediately went to work helping its customers in the healthcare industry solve complex challenges related to preventing, testing and treating COVID-19. In addition to DnaNudge’s RT-PCR testing system, Benchmark is involved in the production of other key medical devices, including ventilators, portable x-ray units, chest scanning devices and nitric oxide treatment systems.