NTENDED USE
Quest V-C-M Medium: Quest V-C-M Medium is specifically designed for the collection and transportation of clinical specimens containing viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, or ureaplasmas from the collection site to the testing laboratory. The system is compatible with standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for viral, chlamydial, mycoplasmal, and ureaplasmal culture.
SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION
In the diagnostic process of infections caused by viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, or ureaplasmas, a crucial step involves the secure collection and transportation of biological samples. Quest V-C-M Medium is a reliable system for achieving this purpose. It includes a room temperature-stable universal transporting medium that ensures the viability (and infectivity) of a diverse range of organisms, including clinically significant viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas during transit to the testing laboratory. The formulation of Quest V-C-M Medium comprises proteins for stabilization, antibiotics to minimize bacterial and fungal contamination, and a buffer to maintain a neutral pH.
Quest V-C-M Medium comes equipped with labeled capture-cap vials, specially designed for the transport of clinical samples. The capture-cap securely holds the shaft of the swab sample to the cap, eliminating the need for forceps during sample removal in the laboratory.
PRINCIPLES OF THE PROCEDURE
Quest V-C-M Medium is composed of modified Hank’s balanced salt solution supplemented with bovine serum albumin, cysteine, gelatin, sucrose, and glutamic acid. The pH is buffered using HEPES buffer, with Phenol red indicating pH levels. The inclusion of vancomycin, amphotericin B, and colistin in the medium serves to inhibit the growth of competing bacteria and yeast. The medium is isotonic and non-toxic to mammalian host cells. Sucrose acts as a cryoprotectant, facilitating the preservation of viruses and chlamydiae if specimens are frozen at -70°C for prolonged storage.
V-C-M Medium Components
Hank’s 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.
Warnings and Precautions
For in vitro Diagnostic Use.