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BD™ Universal Viral Transport System is intended for the collection and transport of clinical specimens containing viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas from the collection site to the testing laboratory. This system can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for viral, chlamydial, mycoplasmal and ureaplasmal culture.

One of the routine procedures in the diagnosis of infections caused by viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas involves the collection and safe transportation of biological samples. This can be accomplished using the BD Universal Viral Transport System. This system includes a universal transporting medium that is room temperature stable, which can sustain viability (and infectivity) of a plurality of organisms that include clinically important viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas during transit to the testing laboratory. The formulation of BD Universal Viral Transport medium includes protein for stabilization, antibiotics to minimize bacterial and fungal contamination, and a buffer to maintain a neutral pH.

BD Universal Viral Transport System is provided with labeled capture-cap vials designed for transport of the clinical sample. This system is also supplied as a sample collection kit that comprises a package containing one capture-cap vial of medium and a peel pouch incorporating sterile polyester or nylon flocked specimen collection swabs, with scored shafts for easy breakage. The capture-cap is designed to secure the shaft of the swab sample to the cap, eliminating the use of forceps to remove the swab in the laboratory.

All lots of the Universal Viral Transport medium are tested for microbial contamination, toxicity to host cells and the ability to maintain viability of desired agents. Procedures for quality control of Universal Viral Transport medium and viral culture media are described in a number of publications by the American Society for Microbiology^6,8,10 and by CLSI (formerly NCCLS).^15,16 If aberrant quality control results are noted, patient results should not be reported.

Universal Viral Transport Medium Components

Hanks' Balanced Salts
Bovine Serum Albumin
L-Cysteine
Gelatin
Sucrose
L-Glutamic Acid
HEPES Buffer
Vancomycin
Amphotericin B
Colistin
Phenol Red
pH 7.3 ± 0.2 @ 25°C

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

- Inserting more than one swab in the capture-cap vial may interfere with proper cap closure.

- Observe approved biohazard precautions and aseptic techniques. To be used only by adequately trained and qualified personnel.

- Pathogenic microorganisms, including hepatitis viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, may be present in clinical specimens. "Standard Precautions"^1-4 and institutional guidelines should be followed in handling all items contaminated with blood and other body fluids.

- Sterilize all biohazard waste including specimens, containers and media after their use.

- Directions should be read and followed carefully.

- Do not re-sterilize unused swabs.

- Do not re-pack.

- Not suitable to collect and transport microorganisms other than viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas.

- Not suitable for any other application than intended use.

- The use of this product in association with a rapid diagnostic kit or with diagnostic instrumentation should be previously validated by the user.

- Do not use if the swab is visibly damaged (i.e., if the swab tip is broken).

- Do not bend flocked swabs prior to specimen collection.

- Do not ingest the medium.

- Do not use the Universal Viral Transport medium for premoistening or prewetting the applicator swab prior to collecting the sample or for rinsing or irrigating the sampling sites.

- Do not use for more than one patient.

- Avoid skin contact with medium.