Name: V-C-M Medium | QST-01
SKU: 92-QST-01
Availability: OutOfStock

V-C-M Medium | QST-01

(No reviews yet) Write a Review

SKU:

92-QST-01

Description

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.

Storage

This product is ready for use and no further preparation is necessary. The product should be transported
and stored in its original container at 2–25°C until used. Do not overheat. Do not incubate or freeze prior to use.
Improper storage will result in a loss of efficacy. Do not use after expiration date, which is clearly printed on the specimen transport vial label.

Specimen Collection Guidelines: Specimens intended for viral, chlamydial, mycoplasmal, or ureaplasmal investigation must be collected and handled according to established manuals and guidelines. To ensure optimal viability, it is crucial to transport the specimen to the laboratory as promptly as possible. The highest recovery rates are achieved when specimens are refrigerated at 2–8°C or placed on wet ice during collection and transit. In cases of prolonged delays before processing, specimens should be frozen at –70°C or colder and transported on dry ice. Storage at –20°C is less preferable than storage at 4°C or –70°C, as it may result in the loss of infectivity. Compliance with state and federal regulations is imperative for specific requirements related to specimen shipment and handling. Shipping within medical institutions should adhere to internal guidelines. Immediate processing of all specimens upon receipt in the laboratory is strongly recommended.

PROCEDURES

Materials Provided: Quest V-C-M Medium includes a capture-cap vial containing 3 mL of transport medium along with three glass beads.

Materials Required But Not Provided: Specimen collection swab, materials for isolating, differentiating, and culturing viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas. These materials encompass tissue culture cell lines, tissue culture medium, incubation systems, and reading equipment. Refer to appropriate references for recommended protocols for the isolation and identification of viral, chlamydial, mycoplasmal, and ureaplasmal agents.

Test Procedure

For V-C-M Medium Vials:

Aseptically remove the cap from the vial.
Aseptically introduce the sample into the vial with medium.
Replace the cap on the vial and close it tightly.
Label the vial with appropriate patient information.
Send the vial to the laboratory for immediate analysis.

Quality Control: All lots of V-C-M Medium undergo testing for microbial contamination, toxicity to host cells, and the ability to maintain the viability of desired agents. Procedures for quality control are outlined in publications by the American Society for Microbiology (References: 6,8,10) and CLSI (formerly NCCLS). In case of abnormal quality control results, patient results should not be reported.

RESULTS

The obtained results are heavily dependent on proper and thorough specimen collection, as well as timely transport and processing in the laboratory.

View AllClose