VTM Transport Medium (Virus Sampling Tube): Principles and Features

Understanding the Principle

Viruses are microscopic entities composed of either nucleic acid and protein or solely protein, with a simple structure. Since viruses lack a cellular structure, they cannot replicate independently. Instead, they invade host cells and utilize the host’s replication system to generate new viruses.

After virus sample collection, maintaining the sample’s viability and extending the survival time of viruses in the sample is crucial. The collected swab is placed into the VTM (Virus Transport Medium) for preservation and transportation.

Components and Principles of VTM Transport Medium:

1. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
   A combination of antibiotics prevents bacterial and fungal contamination.
2. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
   Acts as a protein stabilizer by forming a protective layer around the virus’s protein shell, preventing decomposition and ensuring virus integrity.
3. Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution
   Provides a neutral pH environment to improve virus survival and infection stability.
4. Phenol Red
   Serves as a pH indicator. At an optimal pH range of 7.2–7.4, the solution appears red, ensuring the virus’s protein coat stability. If contamination occurs, pH decreases, turning the solution yellow, indicating compromised sample stability.

Test Methods

1. Use the provided sampling swab to collect the sample.
2. Insert the swab into the sampling tube and break off the excess swab stick. Tighten the cap.
3. Label the tube with the sampling information.
4. Place the tube in a bio-specimen bag and seal it.

Important Notes

1. Do not dip the swab into the transport medium before sample collection.
2. Each bio-specimen bag can hold up to three virus sampling tubes.
3. Store at 5°C–25°C for up to 12 months.

Product Features

1. Flocked Swab
   Unlike traditional fiber swabs, flocked swabs enhance sample collection and release efficiency, achieving a 90% release rate, far exceeding that of fiber swabs.
2. Bio-Specimen Bags
   Each tube comes with a bio-specimen bag for safe and secure transportation.
3. Antibiotics in Sampling Liquid
   Effectively prevent bacterial and fungal contamination.
4. Color-Based Viability Indicator
   Changes in the sampling liquid’s color provide a direct indication of virus viability.
5. BSA for Virus Protection
   Added bovine serum albumin safeguards virus integrity and increases separation rates.

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