Novel H1N1 Virus - Specimen Collection Resources

Novel H1N1 Virus - Specimen Collection Resources

Virocult swab
On 11th June, the World Health Organisation raised the alert level for Novel H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) to Phase 6, or pandemic, because of persistent person-to-person transmission in multiple continents.

Already programmes for vaccine production are underway in several countries, but over the next few months as firstly the southern hemisphere enters its influenza season, and then with the predicted surge in cases in the northern autumn and winter, there is a need for continued vigilance and surveillance of influenza virus strains. It is not yet known how stable the genotype will be, and there is the possibility of recombination with the current seasonal flu strain.1
 
Various test strategies are being employed in different countries. A number of specific PCR kits are already available, and there is the continued need to submit specimens for full characterisation by cell culture. In these circumstances it is essential to use a reliable specimen collection system, such as Virocult® or Sigma -Virocult®. In fact Medical Wire has a complete range of collection devices, whether required for immediate use and transfer to a kit or system, or for transport at ambient temperatures to a distant reference laboratory.

 
Product Code Product Name Features Application
MW950 Virocult® Classic Virocult® virus transport medium (VTM) in a foam pad with standard plastic shaft swab with rayon bud Molecular tests and cell culture
MW975 Virocult ® NPG As MW950, with flexible twisted wire shaft with rayon bud for nasopharyngeal samples Molecular tests and cell culture
MW950S Sigma-Virocult® New format for a trusted product. Self-standing vial (conical base) with Virocult® VTM combined with swab tipped with open-cell foam for optimum specimen collection and release. Molecular tests and cell culture
MW950S2 Sigma-Virocult® Duo As MW950S, with 2 swabs for multiple sites. Molecular tests and cell culture
MW940 Sigma-Swab™ Open-celled foam tip bud on plastic shaft in peel pouch Molecular tests
MW941 Sigma-Swab™ Open-celled foam tip bud on plastic shaft in labelled tube Molecular tests
MW942 Sigma-Swab™ Duo Open-celled foam tip bud on plastic shaft (x2) in labelled tube Molecular tests, for specimens from multiple sites
MW102 Dry Swab Standard Dry Swab, Plastic shaft & Rayon bud in Labelled Tube Molecular tests
MW102D Dry Swab Standard Dry Swab, Plastic shaft & Polyester (Dacron)  bud in Labelled Tube Molecular tests
MW112 Dry Swab Standard Dry Swab, Plastic shaft & Rayon bud individual in peel pouch* Molecular tests
MW112D Dry Swab Standard Dry Swab, Plastic shaft & Polyester (Dacron)  bud individual in peel pouch* Molecular tests

* Multiple swabs available on request

Please contact us, or refer to our website www.mwe.co.uk or www.mwe-usa.com in the USA, for full details of any of these products


References:
1. www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090611.htm

 


VIROCULT NOW AVAILABLE IN THE USA

    CLICK HERE FOR VIROCULT FLIER

    VIROCULT FDA APPROVAL

 

Virocult® Now Available in US!

Virocult®, one of Medical Wire's best known products, is now available for users in the United States.

Virocult® is a virus transport swab suitable for respiratory, skin, genital, ocular and enteric specimens, and is widely used with both traditional cell culture methods, and the more recent molecular techniques.

Virocult® is easy, safe and convenient in use. Each kit consists of a rayon bud swab, and a tube of liquid virus transport medium. The liquid is held in place within a saturated foam pad. There are no separate vials of medium and no swab sticks to break. The product is stored at ambient temperatures with no need for expensive refrigeration. The medium contains antibiotics that prevent the growth of any bacteria or fungi within the specimen (these could interfere with valuable cell cultures or other tests.)

Virocult is suitable for sampling from most body sites, especially epithelial surfaces, such as respiratory or genital areas, or skin lesions. Most of the major viral pathogens have been reported as being recovered such as Herpes Simplex Types 1 and 2, Varicella-Zoster virus, Influenza A and B, mumps, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and various enteroviruses. More recently Virocult has been used in studies about metapneumoviruses.

Virocult® is fully M40-A compliant. CLSI's M40-A Quality Control of Microbiological Transport Systems is often referred to for studies of bacteriology swabs, but there is also an important section on Virus Culture Transport Devices. The standard requires recovery to be tested for holding periods of up to 4 days. Virocult® has been tested against the specified viruses, not only at the recommended titre, but also at lower titres, and was found in all cases to exceed the requirements, both at ambient temperature and at fridge temperatures.

Virocult® is cited by many national and international organisations as a sentinel device to be used for the monitoring of epidemic influenza, including H5N1.


For further information visit our website at www.mwe-usa.com or www.mwe.co.uk.

LINK TO VIROCULT PAGE

 

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∑-Swab™ - The Ideal M40-A Device?

Sigma swab The principal function of a transport swab is to maintain microorganisms in a viable and numerically stable condition. If some organisms die off too rapidly they will not be detectable at the laboratory, but it is also well understood that some bacteria have a tendency to overgrow, even in a well-defined transport medium without nutrients, giving a distorted representation of the relative populations in the original specimens.

CLSI's M40-A standard recognises this problem. It requires that organism numbers should not drop by more than 3 logs during the maximum transport period specified by the manufacturer, whether transport is at ambient or refrigerated temperatures. It also requires that numbers should not increase by more than 1 log during the maximum transport period, but in this case this requirement only applies for transport at refrigerated temperatures.
 
In some ways this seems a pointless requirement since very few organisms are capable of multiplying at all at low temperatures, and even those which do, such as Listeria will do so relatively slowly. It seems to have been accepted that the overgrowth standard cannot be met at ambient temperatures, although those are the conditions in which many specimens have to be transported.

Medical Wire's new ∑-Swab™ (Sigma Swab) is a dry swab without transport medium which meets the M40-A criteria for keeping bacterial numbers stable at ambient as well as refrigerated temperatures. Studies to be presented in the coming months will show that ∑-Swab™ will keep the numbers of many common organisms stable for 48 hours, neither increasing nor decreasing. These include many of the organisms present in wound infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Anaerobes such as Bacteroides fragilis have also been shown to survive in stable numbers for up to 48 hours. Even fastidious organisms will show some limited survival at 24 hours, although for these the assistance of a transport medium would still be recommended.

The secret of ∑-Swab™'s performance is in the bud, which is made from a soft synthetic foam. Unlike conventional swabs with a tightly wound fibre bud, ∑-Swab™'s bud is an open-cell structure. The cells have a uniform icosahedral shape which makes the material highly absorbent, protecting the bacteria within their own micro-environment, yet allowing complete flow-through for reagents for optimum performance for both conventional laboratory procedures, and the many newer molecular methods.

The ability to keep organism numbers stable means that ∑-Swab™ could be the ideal device for many routine specimens such as post-operative wounds, leg ulcers, and MRSA screening.

Using a dry swab has a number of technical advantages. The specimen is not diluted into a transport medium, there are no non-viable bacteria from the medium to interfere with Gram-stains, and there is no overgrowth.

There are also practical and environmental advantages. ∑-Swab™ has a five year shelf-life, since there is no medium to dry out. Tubed dry swabs are considerably less bulky for storage than the peel pouches required for transport swabs, and with less packaging to dispose of. ∑-Swab™ Duo is now also available in a labelled tube.

∑-Swab™ is the ideal specimen collection device for many routine applications, meeting M40-A criteria for survival for many common pathogens, and exceeding the criteria for overgrowth by keeping numbers stable at ambient temperatures. The inert open-celled bud allows improved reactions and sensitivities for conventional and molecular procedures. Extended shelf-life, and reduced packaging assist with stock management and environmental concerns.

Reference
1. CLSI. Quality Control of Microbiological Transport Systems; Approved Standard, CLSI document M40-A [ISBN 1-56238-520-8].
 

 

 

             MW940   Sigma Swab  Polyurethane foam swab, Peel Pouch                PK/125         $95.50

   MW941  Sigma Swab  Polyurethane foam swab Duo, Carrier Tube      PK/100         $92.00

   MW942  Sigma Swab  Polyurethane foam swab,  Carrier Tube              Pk/125        $205.80

   SIGMA SWAB 2010 MATERIAL IMPROVEMENT FOR A NEW GENERATION OF PREANALYTICALS 

 

 


         

LABPLAS

SAVE MONEY WITH  LABPLAS  OFFER A VARIETY OF STERILE SAMPLING BAGS such as Twirl'em and  Secure-T blender sampling bags.  Many Types, Sizes and thicknesses.  Write area or plain.  Clear or opaque for photosensitive applications. Single round wire,  Flat wire and/or combinations of these 2 available.  Save money with Labplas  Twirl'em bags.   Click here for Twirl'em Sample bags and prices.

Complies with requirements for EPA. FDA, USDA, & HACCP 

 


NRS TRANSWAB Additional info

NRS™ Transwab® for Residual Contamination on Disinfected Food Processing Surfaces

 

In recent years NRS™ Transwabs® from Medical Wire & Equipment have become established as the product of choice for measuring residual contamination, or its absence, on disinfected food processing surfaces.

The novel product presentation consists of a plastic shaft swab with rayon bud in a labelled tube. A separate tube contains 10ml of Neutralising Rinse Solution. The solution will neutralise traces of disinfectants or sanitisers which may be present on the surface being tested. The swab is supplied complete with a labelled plastic tube for storage prior to use and subsequent transport of sample.

The product has been developed in response to the requirements of the food industry. The formulation is based on the universal neutraliser solution recommended by Campden, and others, and also described in ISO 18593:2004. Each batch of NRS Transwabs is tested against a range of organisms of relevance to food manufacturers, including Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, Staph. aureus.

The Neutralising Rinse Solution inactivates chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics and aldehydes. Other features of the product include:

· Precise fill for accurate measurement of microbial levels
· Non-rolling tube
· Specially designed fluted cap for ease of handling and containment of sample
· Plastic shaft - inert, non-toxic and non-inhibitory for fastidious organisms
· Blue shaft for visibility
· Rayon bud - recommended material for transport of live microorganisms
· Tamper-evident seal on tube


Medical Wire & Equipment is approved to ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003 for the design and manufacture of sterile medical devices, and the design and manufacture of sterile and non-sterile in-vitro diagnostic devices.

Medical Wire & Equipment products are CE-marked and conforms to: European In Vitro Devices Directive, In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive (98/79/EC), 1998, Official Journal of European Communities, L331/1.

References
1. Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association, 1999, Guideline No. 20 "Effective Microbiological Sampling of Food Processing Environments".
2. ISO 18593:2004 Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs.- Horizontal methods for sampling techniques from surfaces using contact plates and swabs. International Standards Organisation, Geneva.

 

 MW774   NRS 5ML Transwab, Buffer Liquid, Blue Shaft                 PK/100         $82.25

 MW775   NRS 10L Transwab, Buffer Liquid, Blue Shaft                  PK/100         $84.50


STERISWABS ADDITIONAL INFO

 

Be in control...
... with Steriswab

 

Steriswab

Pre-moistened swabs for effective environmental sampling
 
  • Designed for the pharmaceutical microbiologist.
     
  • Improved sampling from all surfaces.
     
  • Pre-moistened. No separate vials or bottles of diluent.
     
  • Ready to use.
     
  • Optimum recoveries of fastidious microorganisms.
     
  • Saves time and expense.
     
Pre-packed in user-friendly packs
 
  • Individual or multiple packs to suit all operations
     
  • Labelled tubes or peel pouches to comply with existing procedures.
     
Pre-sterilised
 
  • Sterilised by irradiation – guaranteed
     
 
NOW WITH BLUE SHAFT AND 45MM BREAKPOINT!
Blue shaft for visibility!
45mm breakpoint for ease of use in all methods
 

 

Medical Wire....because the result matters!
 



Steriswabs have been designed for the pharmaceutical microbiologist as a tool for effective monitoring of sterility and contamination in clinically clean or sterile work areas.

Steriswabs are pre-moistened with a sterile diluent for ease of use and the elimination of any possible cross-contamination. The swabs are supplied individually in a sterile labelled tube which can be used to return the sample to the laboratory. Alternatively they can be supplied packed individually, or in sets of 5 or 10 within a sterile peel-pouch which can then be used in accordance with existing procedures.

Steriswabs are pre-sterilised by irradiation, and triple-wrapped to guarantee that any viable organisms detected come from the site and not from the swab. Our own production procedures are designed to ensure minimum bioburden (i.e. practically zero non-viables).

Steriswabs are validated for the recovery of fastidious micro-organisms.

 

Order Details

Product Reference
 
Product Description
 
Unit size
 
MW720
 
Steriswab®, Individual pre-moistened blue,
breakpoint swab, Labelled tube, Sterilised by
irradiation.Triple wrapped.
 
250 per case
 

 

MW730       Steriswab, Dry, Breakpoint Labelled Tube                      PK/250          $83.10

MW735/1    Steriswab, Dry, Breakpoint, Individual Peel Pouch       PK150           $78.50

MW735/10  Steriswab, Dry, Breakpoint, 10 per Peel Pouch             PK/1000      $109.55

MW750       Sterikit, Triple Wrapped Sterile Pack                                 PK/50          $231.10

 


 

MW&E MICROLOOPS

PLASTIC DISPOSABLE  MW&E & TWISTED NICHROME 5 INOCULATING LOOPS/NEEDLES

Inoculating Loops - MW&E's  plastic disposable calibrated Microloops in 1ul, 5ul, and 10ul calibrations.  Sold by case 1000 (50 packs of 20 loops) .

For more information click link to MW&E Microstreakers & Microloops


Other Medical Wire & Equipment (MW&E) Products

AMICATOR, COLIFORM ISOLATION SWAB, CYTOTAK, DRYWABS, FLEXISWAB, FORENSIC SWAB, HYGIENE SWAB, LISTERIA ISOLATION SWAB, MARE TRANSWAB, MICROLOOPS, MICRORINGS, NRS TRANSWAB, ODORMYCIN, POLYWIPES SPONGES, STERIKIT, STERISWAB, TRANSWABS, TRANSTUBES,  VIABANK, VIROCULT

          Medical Wire...because the results matter!


PML LYFOCULTS®        

SUPERIOR STABILITY & PERFORMANCE

LYFOCULTS® ARE A PML QUALITY  CONTROL CULTURES DERIVED FROM THE AMERICAN TYPE CULTURE COLLECTION (ATCC®) OR OTHER NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED COLLECTIONS. LYFOCULTS (FORMERLY® CALLED QUALICULTS™) ARE PRESERVED IN QUALITY TECHNOLOGIES PROPRIETARY PROTECTANT. THIS PROCESS PRESERVES EVEN THE MOST FASTIDIOUS MICROORGANISMS. LIFOCULTS WERE FORMERLY KNOWN AS CALLED CRYOCULTS OR QUALICULTS.

 CONVENIENCE

LYFOCULTS® ARE EASY TO USE - SIMPLY UNSCREW THE LYFOCULT ®CAP, REHYDRATE , AND USE. THE LYFOCULTS ARE LYOPHILIZED AND REHYDRATE INSTANTLY FOR IMMEDIATE USE.

ECONOMICAL

LYFOCULTS® CARRY A VERY LONG SHELF-LIFE WITH GUARANTEED VIABILITY. THE AVERAGE SHELF-LIFE HAS BEEN GREATER THAN 18 MONTHS. THAT IS ABOUT TWICE THAT OF MOST OTHER BRANDS. THEY ARE LESS EXPENSIVE TO START AND HAVE A VERY LARGE INVENTORY OF CLOSE TO 600 STRAINS OFFERED — ONE SOURCE ORDERING.

(* LYFOCULTS® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF QUALITY TECHNOLOGIES, LLC)

LYFOCULT® PLUS  -  All in one QC Microorganism,  with a Rehydrator and Inoculation System. This Lyfocult® system with built-in non-glass ampoule for rehydration and a built in  Streaking Device. Sold in packages of 2 instead of the traditional 5 packs.   Click here for Lyfocult Plus instructions         

 

LYFOCULT PLUS SETS are now available. Sets consist of a 2 pack of each of the listed strains. To see available sets, click

                 LYFOCULT SETS       


DAZZLENS™ LENS CLEANER!

DazzlensTM cleaner is used by hospitals, doctors, laboratories, research centers, universities, and commercial and manufacturing companies throughout the United States. It's lasting history is a testament to the power of the DazzlensTM cleaner and the quality and care of its founder. Mason Products Corp. is proud to carry on the tradition of the DazzlensTM name, continuing a storied past of service and excellence to its current and future customers.

For more Dazzlens info click here

 


GIBSON LABORATORIES INOCUSWABS

Click here for INOCU-SWAB™Listings

I

New Format Provides:

  • Increased Viability!
  • Rehydration System!
  • Easier Use!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Each Inocu-swab™ will consist of a lyophilized pellet inside a culture system containing a sterile swab and rehydration fluid for the transfer of the organism directly to culture media.
PROCEDURE
1. Break the red "snap" valve by bending to a 45o angle.
2. Gently squeeze cap to moisten lyophilized pellet in the bottom of tube.
3. Gently shake so swab can absorb rehydrated pellet.
4. Remove cap from tube and inoculate media.

a.. Break red "snap " valve
b. Gently squeeze to moisten
c. Remove cap, inoculate

 

© Lakewood Biochemical Co., Inc. Dallas, TX 75214

 

 

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