With 3 mL Viral Transport Medium in a 15 mL conical tube and sterile flocked swab(s) with molded break point handle, nylon microfiber suitable for virus sampling, medical grade, individually packed
Introduction:
Bio Med’s disposable Virus Sample Collection and Transport Kit is a specially designed transport system to collect samples from throat or nasal secretions and transport viruses in an active form to the laboratory for isolation/identification. It is designed to maintain the viability and the virulence of the viral sample.
MEDIA COMPONENTS
AMINO ACIDS
L-Alanine, L-Arginine HCl, L-Asparagine H2O, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Cysteine HCL.H2O, L-Cystine 2HCL, L-Glutamic Acid, L-Glutamine, Glycine, L-Histidine HCl.H2O, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Lysine HCL, L-Methionine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Proline, L-Serine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine 2Na.2H2O, L-Valine
INORGANIC SALTS
CaCl2 (Anhydrous), KCl, MgSO4 (Anhydrous), NaCl, NaH2PO4. H2O, NaHCO3
VITAMINS
L-Ascorbic Acid, D-Biotin, D-Ca Pantothenate, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Myo-Inositol, Niacinamide, Pyridoxal HCl, Riboflavin, Thiamine HCl, Vitamin B12
OTHER COMPONENTS
Adenosine, Cytidine, D-Glucose, Guanosine, Lipoic Acid, Phenol Red (Sodium), Sodium Pyruvate, Thymidine, 2’Deoxyadenosine H2O, D’-Deoxycytidine HCl, 2’Deoxyguanosine, Uridine
It is supplemented with cryoprotectant protein for maintaining virus viability even in frozen state for prolonged storage. It has antimicrobial agents incorporated to minimize commensal bacterial and fungal contamination. The medium is isotonic and non-toxic to host cells. It has buffers to control the pH. Phenol red is used as a pH indicator.
SAMPLING SWAB:
Swab(s) are sterile flocked swab with molded break point handle, with nylon microfiber which are non inhibitory to viruses and help release of viruses into the medium easily. They are Medical grade, individually packed. It yields significantly more sample which helps in maximizing the sensitivity of serological and molecular detection assays.
KIT CONTENTS
| Kit Code | Description | Quantity |
| BM VTK | VTM Media – 15 ml Polypropylene clear conical tube with HDPE cap, containing 3 ml sterile virus transport medium.Tube is not deformed after autoclaving . Taper bottom design makes it bear centrifugation | 45 |
| BM VTK | Oro-pharyngeal Swab- sterile flocked swab with molded break point handle, with nylon microfiber suitable for virus sampling. Medical grade, individually packed. ( Naso-Pharyngeal swab can also be supplied as per customer requirement) | 45 |
PROCEDURE
A. Collection of Samples
For a complete diagnostic analysis of viral diseases, it is important that the infectivity of the viruses is preserved after sample collection. The infectivity of viruses decreases over time and the decay rate is generally a function of temperature. Stability of samples is enhanced by cooling therefore samples should be kept at 2-8°C. The probability of a successful isolation is more if the samples are processed immediately after collection and the viral load in the sample is more. Viral load is maximum if the samples are collected immediately after the onset of clinical symptoms and before the administration of antiviral medications.
B. Directions for use:
- Mark the tube with the relevant information ( name of the patient, date of collection , Patient ID or any other information required by testing laboratory) on the label or attach the bar coded label.
- Peel open the pouch to remove the swab.
- Ask patient to open his/her mouth. Swab the back of the throat using oro-pharyngeal swab near the tonsils thoroughly. Sample can also be taken using naso-pharyngeal swab from nasopharynx.
- Place the swab(s) into the storage tube after sampling , break off / cut the swab (s), dip the head of the swab(s) in the transport medium, discard the swab(s) sample handle and close the cap tightly.
C. Transportation of the Samples:
Samples should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. Samples can be refrigerated at 2-80C after collection or can be transported at 2-80 C on wet ice / frozen ice gel packs within 48 hours.
If a long delay is expected in transit and processing, samples should be transported on dry ice and should be frozen at or below -700C.
QUALITY CONTROL:
Appearance
Orange to Red colored clear solution
pH at 25°C
7.3 ± 0.3
Osmolality in mOsm/Kg H2O
500.00 – 600.00
Sterility
No bacterial or fungal growth is observed
PRECAUTIONS
- Wear clean PPE suit with protective gloves/ mask and goggles during operation.
- Isolation of viruses will largely depend on proper specimen collection, timing of sample collection and processing of samples.
- Specimen collection should be done in the acute phase of illness.
- Do not use the product if (1) there is change in the color of the medium, (2) there is evidence of leakage, (3) there are other signs of deterioration or turbidity.
- To maintain infectivity of viruses , it is important that temperature be properly maintained for sample collection to processing.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw of collected samples.
- It is recommended to refer to standard procedures and published protocols for sample collection and processing.
- When the sampling material are discarded , the relevant requirement of medical bio-hazard waste management shall be followed.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
Store at 2 to 30°C. (Do Not Freeze or Incubate, Keep the reagent away from direct sunlight) .
Use before expiry date given on the product label.
References
- Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology. 7th ed. 2016, J.B. Lippincott Co. Philadelphia, PA.
- Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. 2019, ASM, Washington, D.C.
- Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, 3rd Edition. 2010. ASM Press, Washington DC, Section 10-Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Infections
- Bailey and Scott Diagnostic Microbiology. 14th ed. 2018.
- National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). 2006. Viral Culture. Proposed Standard M41A.