Utilizing Copan’s UTM viral transport media and flocked swab technology, our laboratory has designed and validated a variety of molecular diagnostic assays for the detection of clinically relevant bacteria and viruses that can infect the respiratory tract. In conjunction with Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, CA, we have published and presented results in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings, respectively, pertaining to concordance analyses with rapid tests and stability of the pathogens in the UTM viral transport media versus a saline solution under different environmental storage conditions. This collection system has proven to be a fantastic foundation for our assays.
Martin E. Adelson, PhD
Vice President
Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC
Hamilton, NJ

UNIVERSAL TRANSPORT MEDIUM, UTM Ordering Information 

Universal Transport Medium, UTM, is Copan’s room temperature stable viral transport medium for collection, transport, maintenance and long term freeze storage of Viruses, such as Influenza H1N1, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma specimens. UTM has been used successfully for Rapid Antigen Testing, DFA, Culture and for Molecular-based Assays*

Room Temperature Stable

Product can be conveniently stored at room temperature prior to use for collecting samples for all four organism groups – Viruses, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.

Wide Selection of Tubes and Collection Applicators Available

UTM systems are available with two different tube sizes and different media fill volumes. UTM tubes are available in bulk or as patient collection packs that incorporate different combinations of Polyester or Flocked Swabs and media tubes to suit different work patterns and preferences.

Different Fill Volumes

Regular 100mm size UTM tubes with 3ml medium fill volume enough for multiple tests on the same specimen or Mini 80mm size UTM tubes with 1ml medium fill volume to prevent dilution effect are just two of the most popular media fill options available.

Molded Breakpoint for Safe and Reliable Break-off

All swabs provided with UTM feature either a pre-scored breakpoint in the case of Polyester Swabs or a unique molded breakpoint in the case of Flocked Swabs that enables safe, reliable break-off and deposit of swab sticks into transport tubes.

Safe Shatterproof Skirted Tubes and Glass Beads for Easy Dispersion of Patient Sample Material and Virus Particles from Swab and Easy Centrifugation

Three glass beads in each tube facilitate the release and dispersion of patient sample material and virus particles from the swab during vortexing, while the skirted tube with distinctive internal conical shape enables centrifugation of samples and allows the tubes to stand upright on the laboratory bench.

UTM - Catalog Ordering Information,
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Nasopharyngeal Sample Collection using Copan UTM and Flocked Swabs:

One of the most widely used methods for detection of influenza viruses is to collect a nasopharyngeal swab sample. A patient collection pack comprising of Copan UTM and Flocked Swabs is ideal to collect and transport such samples. Click to watch this video on the proper method to collect a nasopharyngeal sample using a Copan patient collection pack.

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