VTM Collection Kits
Innovative technology for sample collection
Proper specimen collection and transport plays a critical role in laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases associated with viruses. The VTM Collection Kits offered by Captivate Bio allow for the collection, preservation and transport of viruses, such as coronavirus (COVID-19).
Captivate Bio is an authorized distributor of the Ruhof Corporation’s viral transport medium and flocked swab collection kit. Please inquire for bulk pricing and larger case packs.
The VTM Collection Kit is manufactured according to CDC protocols for specimen collection and transport. Please note that products are available for research and clinical laboratories only.
| Intended use | Collection and transport of biological specimens |
|---|---|
| Shelf-Life | 18 months from date of manufacture |
| pH | 7.1 to 7.5 |
| Storage | 15 - 30°C |
| Formulation | Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution Heat-Inactivated FBS Gentamicin Sulfate, Amphotericin B Phenol Red |
Documents
Viral Transport Media Product Information Sheet
VTM Collection Kits Product Information Sheet
References & Additional Resources
CDC Protocols - SOP#: DSR-052-05
Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens for COVID-19. Updated November 5, 2020.
FDA COVID-19 Transport Media Policy - List of Commercial Manufacturers
What kind of swabs are included in the VTM Collection Kit?
The VTM Collection Kit includes one nasopharyngeal flocked swab with plastic shaft which are proven to elute >95% of the original sample rapidly thus easily resulting in improved assay sensitivity. Swabs are sterilized and certified free of DNase, RNase and Human DNA and PCR inhibitors.
What kinds of COVID-19 sample collection kits are available?
Captivate Bio bulk manufactures viral transport media that can be used for in-house assembly of COVID-19 collection and transport kits. We are also an authorized distributor of Ruhof’s Viral Transport Medium & Flocked Swab Kits.
What is the expiration date of your VTM?
Per CDC protocol, our VTM expires one year from date of manufacture.
Do you offer customization of your VTM?
We actively produce both VTM with and without phenol red. Phenol red is a pH indicator that is pink or red at neutral or basic pH and transitions to yellow at acidic pH, providing a visual check on medium pH. Phenol Red has been shown to turn purple in the presence of bleach, thereby allowing visual inspection to confirm that tubing was appropriately washed after bleach sterilization.
What packaging options are available for your VTM and VTM Collection Kits?
We can provide our VTM in various bottle sizes, the most popular sizes are our 500 mL and 1000 mL bottles. Bulk VTM Collection Kits are also available. For quantities of 1000 or more, please contact our customer support team for more information and to request a quote.
Made in the USA
Produced and assembled in the United States to current CDC formulation guidelines.
Active transport medium
Provides a pH balanced environment with the addition of phenol red in the formulation.
Ergonomic swab design
Nasopharyngeal flocked swab breakpoint at 100 mm.
Suited for PCR and EIA assays
Sterilized and free of DNase, RNase, and human DNA.