Virales Transportmedium

Viral Transport Medium (VTM) is a specialized liquid solution used in the collection, preservation, and transport of clinical specimens that may contain viruses, such as respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). VTM is designed to maintain the viability and stability of viruses within the sample during transit from the collection site to the laboratory for further analysis.
VTM typically contains various ingredients, such as salts, proteins, and antibiotics, to protect the viral particles and prevent their degradation. The medium is typically stored in sterile tubes or vials and is used by healthcare professionals during sample collection, especially when nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs are taken. The collected sample is placed in VTM to ensure the virus remains viable and detectable for subsequent testing, making it an essential component in diagnostic and research efforts related to viral infections.