Viral Transport Media (VTM 3mL)

Description

1. Product Overview

The Viral Transport Media (VTM 3mL) is a sterile, buffered transport solution formulated to preserve the infectivity, antigenic structure, and nucleic acid integrity of viral samples from collection through laboratory testing. It is primarily used in diagnostic and public health settings for the collection, transport, and long-term storage of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and other clinical swab specimens. With validated performance for PCR, RT-PCR, and cell culture-based assays, this VTM offers the strategic advantage of minimizing false negatives and maximizing laboratory throughput—a critical factor in outbreak surveillance, epidemiological monitoring, and routine viral diagnostics.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) base, protein stabilizers (e.g., gelatin or BSA), antibiotics (vancomycin, amphotericin B, colistin), and phenol red pH indicator.

• Purity Level / Grade: Pharmaceutical grade; DNase/RNase-free; endotoxin < 0.5 EU/mL; sterile by gamma irradiation or filtration (0.22 µm).

• Physical Characteristics: Clear or light pink liquid; pH 7.2–7.4 ± 0.2; osmolarity 280–320 mOsm/kg.

• Fill Volume: 3 mL ± 0.2 mL per sterile tube.

• Packaging Options: Polypropylene screw-cap tube (leak-proof, CE/IVD marked), individually packed or 50 tubes per zip-lock bag; 1000 tubes per outer carton. Custom labeling and barcoding available.

• Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture when stored at 2–30°C (room temperature stable; no freezing required).

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Primary Industries: Clinical diagnostics laboratories, hospital networks, public health agencies, reference labs, biopharmaceutical R&D, and CROs (contract research organizations).

• Specific Operational Use Cases:

  • Collection and transport of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV, and other respiratory viruses.

  • Long-term viral sample storage (-80°C compatible) for retrospective studies.

  • Viral culture propagation for vaccine development or antiviral testing.

• Performance vs. Alternatives: Unlike saline or generic buffer solutions, this VTM maintains viral stability >48 hours at ambient temperature, reducing cold-chain dependency. Superior antibiotic coverage suppresses bacterial/fungal overgrowth without inhibiting PCR sensitivity, unlike some generic transport media that show cross-reactivity or degradation.

• Efficiency/Cost Advantage: Single tube eliminates need for separate refrigeration packs for short-haul logistics; validated for direct loading onto extraction platforms, reducing technician hands-on time by ~20%.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Batch release testing for sterility, pH, osmolality, and viral preservation efficacy (using inactivated influenza A) with Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot.

• Supply Reliability: Multiple redundant manufacturing sites (ISO 13485 certified); safety stock of 3M+ units ensures lead times <5 business days globally.

• Logistics Capability: Ambient shipping (2–30°C) reduces freight costs vs. cold-chain competitors; UN3373 compliant packaging available.

• Price Competitiveness: Tiered pricing for direct purchasers and distributors; volume discounts drive landed cost 15–25% below European and North American equivalents.

• Sustainability: Recycled paper packaging; tubes manufactured via energy-efficient injection molding (Scope 2 carbon neutral).

• Technical Support: 24/7 access to product inserts, SDS, stability reports, and regulatory documentation (CE, FDA 510(k) pre-submission available upon request).

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 10,000 units (tubes) for standard labeling; 25,000 units for custom barcode/label.

• BULK 20MT Loading Capacity: Approx. 1,200,000 tubes (3mL filled, with packaging) per 20-foot dry container.

• MT (Metric Tons) per Container: 20 MT net weight roughly equals 700,000–800,000 tubes depending on secondary packaging density. Exact figure provided with each proforma invoice.