The accuracy of a medical diagnosis begins with two key components: the right tool for collecting an ample amount of a viral sample and careful storage of that material as it is transferred to a laboratory for analysis. Viral samples can rapidly decay if not stored appropriately during transport. This is why it’s vital to select the right viral transport media.

Below we’ll define viral transport media and when it is used, explain the typical components and options, as well as the average price range for viral transport media.

What is viral transport media?

Viral transport media is a solution that allows for the safe transfer of viral samples to a laboratory for analysis. In many cases, this is a liquid that provides a balanced buffer solution for maintaining a neutral pH, antimicrobial agents, a source of protein, and sucrose that serves as a preservative.

Without ultra-low temperature storage or appropriate viral transport media, many viral specimens will begin to degrade rapidly. This increases the risk of a false-negative result during analysis at the laboratory. 

What makes viral transport media effective?

The effectiveness of viral transport media lies in its ability to preserve the integrity of the viral sample during transit. Factors that contribute to this include:

pH balance

A balanced buffer solution maintains a neutral pH, protecting the viral RNA or DNA from degradation.

Antimicrobial properties

Many transport media include antimicrobial agents to prevent contamination by bacteria or fungi.

Preservation techniques

Ingredients like sucrose act as preservatives, extending the viability of viral samples.

Temperature Stability

High-quality media can stabilize viral specimens across a range of temperatures, ensuring usability even under varying transport conditions.

3 emerging trends in viral transport media

With advancements in diagnostics and increasing global testing demands, the field of viral transport media is evolving. There is a growing emphasis on precision and efficiency in viral diagnostics. 

Two recent trends include:

1. Compatibility with molecular diagnostics

As PCR and other molecular testing methods dominate, media optimized for DNA/RNA preservation are gaining popularity.

2. Customizable solutions

Manufacturers are increasingly offering customizable kits tailored to specific viruses or testing methods.

What are the components of viral transport media?

A viral transport system depends upon more than the viral transport media solution. The value of the dry transport is that the DNA of the microbe can be recovered after the specimen is no longer viable for culturing. 

1. Viral transport tube

Viral transport media is included in a sterile tube typically made of premium medical grade plastic. Some tubes may be formulated to contain buffered proteins and antibiotics that suppress the growth of potentially contaminating bacteria and fungi.

2. Viral transport cap

A securely closed transport tube is critical for protecting the sample specimen from contamination during transport. Many tubes feature screw caps designed for secure closure and ease of use, while other transport tubes may feature a plug top for a secure seal.

3. Collection swab

Some viral transport media and transport systems are formulated to work with a specific type of swab. Not all swab materials are suitable for viral specimen collection. For example, nasopharyngeal swabs cannot be made with cotton as organic materials interfere with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing process. Some manufacturers sell swab kits that include viral transport systems, to eliminate any confusion around the right components. 

Crafting perfection for your requirements - Puritan Medical Products offers premier custom swab manufacturing services. Elevate your medical devices with precision engineering.

Common viral transport media uses

Viral transport media is used for the preservation of a wide range of viral specimens, including infections that are difficult to diagnose on the spot and instances where knowing a specific viral strain can support diagnosis or public health efforts. Common viral transport media uses include:

1. Influenza virus: Universal viral transport media help maintain viral respiratory swab sample viability at room temperature up to 48 hours, allowing for health experts to diagnose specific strains of influenza.

2. SARS-CoV-2: According to the FDA not all transport media are compatible with SARS-CoV-2 testing platforms. It is important to select viral transport media cited for use in coronavirus testing or approved for this use by the FDA.

3. Enterovirus D68: This non-polio enterovirus has proven to be challenging to test for because on-the-spot tests cannot always perform the analysis necessary to attribute the virus to a particular strain of enterovirus or altogether different respiratory illnesses. 

Applications for viral transport media beyond clinical diagnostics

While clinical diagnostics are the primary use of viral transport media, they are also critical in research and public health surveillance. 

These applications include:

• Epidemiological studies: Transport media play a crucial role in tracking viral outbreaks and studying their spread.

• Vaccine development: Reliable sample transport ensures the integrity of specimens used in vaccine research and testing.

• Biobank storage: Preserving specimens for long-term research into emerging viruses and diseases.

This versatility underscores the importance of investing in high-quality viral transport systems.

Viral transport media price

Viral transport media can range in price, depending on a number of criteria, such as whether you are purchasing the transport media alone, a transport system, or a complete sampling kit. The viral transport medium price will also range based on the type of swab included in a sampling kit.

For product availability and viral transport media pricing, please check out our How to Buy page or contact your sales representative for assistance.

Choosing the right viral transport media for your needs

Selecting the appropriate viral transport media depends on several factors:

• Type of Specimen: Respiratory, enteric, or tissue samples may require different media to ensure viability.

• Testing Method: PCR, antigen detection, and culture testing each have specific compatibility requirements.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the media meets FDA or equivalent approvals, especially for specialized testing like SARS-CoV-2.

• Storage and Transport Conditions: Consider whether samples will be transported at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen.

Consulting with an expert can help match your requirements with the ideal product.

Viral transport media product examples

There are a number of different virtual transport medium products to meet the needs and price considerations. Selecting the right viral transport media depends upon the type of sample you’re transporting. Some of the most common viral transport products include:

Universal transport media 

These may be used to transfer samples to laboratories for use in viral antigen detection test, PCR and rapid tests. These tubes may contain antimicrobial agents to minimize bacterial and fungal contamination, as well as glass beads that assist in releasing and dispersing the sample into the medium during laboratory vortexing.

Check out Puritan’s UniTranz-RT line for a complete list of products.

Molecular preservative 

Provides total microbial inactivation, simplifying specimen collection and preservation specifically for molecular research. This transport media is compatible with preservation of DNA/RNA from bacteria, viruses, and tissues and provides nucleic acid stability at ambient temperatures up to 30 days.

Discover all of Puritan’s dry transport products options.

How Puritan supports your diagnostic needs

At Puritan, we understand the challenges laboratories and healthcare providers face when ensuring sample viability. Our viral transport systems are designed with precision and reliability in mind. To ensure you have what you need, we offer:

• Customizable kits: Tailored solutions for specific diagnostic needs.

• Compliance and certification: Products that meet the highest industry standards, including FDA and CDC guidelines.

• Expert guidance: Dedicated support to help you select the right product for your unique requirements.

Whether you're navigating routine testing or responding to a public health emergency, Puritan is here to provide trusted solutions.

Reach out to Puritan today for viral transport media support!

For the most accurate diagnosis, it’s important to think beyond specimen collection and consider the journey your viral sample takes to the lab. Ensuring viability during this transport time is more critical than ever as laboratories manage higher testing demand even in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 

If you’re not sure which viral transport media might be right for your specific needs, or best serve a broad range of uses, Puritan can help. Contact one of our experts with questions at any time.