Viral Transport Medium(VTM) consists of Modified Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution supplemented with bovine serum albumin, sucrose, cysteine, gelatin, and glutamic acid. The HEPES buffer protects pathogens that are sensitive to pH changes in the medium. Phenol red is added as a pH indicator. The medium contains cryoprotectants such as sucrose to ensure viability of organisms through freezing and thawing. Antimicrobial agents are incorporated to minimize commensal bacterial and fungal contamination. The medium is isotonic and non-toxic to host cells.
Viral Transport Medium (VTM)
1. Peel open the sealed pouch pack and remove one swab from the pouch .
2. Collect the specimen without bending the swab.
3. Aseptically remove the cap from the tube.
4. Insert the swab into the vial containing the medium.
5. Break the swab shaft by bending the swab against the rim of the tube at the breakpoint.
6. Replace the cap and secure the lid, tightly.
7. Record the patient’s information on the label.
8. Ship the specimen tube to the laboratory for analysis.