1. Why are the BBL CultureSwab / CultureSwab Plus products wrapped in foil?
The BBL CultureSwab and BBL CultureSwab Plus products are packaged Vi-Pak foil. Nitrogen gas is injected into both the foil pack and the individual swab packages. This inner environment works synergistically with sodium thioglycollate in the transport medium to create an ideal Eh potential. Together, the metallic foil of the outside packaging and the plastic film of the individual swabs block the entry of oxygen and prevent unwanted oxidation of the transport medium.
2. What does Eh mean?
Eh is a measure of the oxidation-reduction (redox) potential of a system.
3. What is better: Amies or Modified Stuarts Medium?
Both work well and according to specifications. This is simply a customer preference.
4. Can BBL CultureSwab Plus be used for the transport of both aerobes and strict anaerobes?
Yes. The Amies gel formulations are able to maintain aerobes and strict or obligate anaerobes. However, in areas such as the OR, where the specimens collected are tissue samples, biopsies, or body fluids, the optimal system remains Port-A-Cul.
5. Can BBL CultureSwab Plus be used for direct antigen testing?
No. The gel may interfere with an antigen testing method depending on the technology used. Check the kit manufacturer's recommendations.
6. Can BBL CultureSwab Plus be used for the Gram stain procedure?
This is not recommended due to the potential for nonviable organisms, which are inherent in the gel medium.
7. What amount of liquid Stuarts or Amies transport media is in the CultureSwab product?
The fill volume is 1.1 to 1.2 mL. If the swab is depressed into the sponge forcefully, it may cause some of the liquid to stand above the sponge. Squeezing the bottom of the tube gently will draw the liquid medium back into the sponge reservoir.
8 What amount of Amies gel transport medium is in the CultureSwab Plus product?
The tube contains a 5mL column of Amies agar gel.
9. What might be suggested to customers who dislike the fact that the CultureSwab is automatically moistened?
CultureSwab EZ might be a good alternative because there is no transport medium and the swab remains dry.
10. What material is used in the tip of the CultureSwab and CultureSwab Plus?
The tip of the swabs is made from rayon.
11. Why are the flexible shaft swabs packaged in an empty plastic tube while plastic shafts are simply placed next to the collection tube in the package?
The empty plastic tube provides protection to the flexible shaft and prevents bending.
12. How much medium is in the Viral Culturette™ ampule?
There is 0.5 mL of Hank's Balanced Salt Solution in the Viral Culturette ampule.
13. Can Viral Culturette be used to transport Chlamydia?
There is no data to support the stability of Chlamydia with this product.
14. Are there indicators or antibiotics in Viral Culturette?
No. These would drastically reduce shelf-life without contributing any significant advantages.
15. What is the diameter of the Mini-tip swab and shaft?
Swab is 0.062-0.094 inches (1.57-2.39 mm)/ shaft is 0.032-0.038 inches (0.81-0.96 mm).
16. Is the CultureSwab packaging the same as the Copan film/film or plastic package I've seen on the market?
Yes. BD and Copan have undertaken a joint venture in the collection and transport product line market.
