Copan UriSponge® Brochure

See how UriSponge®, Copan's FDA-cleared boric acid-free urine specimen collection, transport, and preservation system, fits into the broader Liquid Based Microbiology (LBM) family. Preview the brochure below or download the PDF to share with your laboratory.

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What's inside

A look inside Copan’s Liquid Based Microbiology brochure, with a focus on UriSponge^®, the FDA-cleared dip-and-close urine specimen collection, transport, and preservation system designed for high-volume urine processing and laboratory automation.

•FDA cleared in October 2024: a newly formulated, boric acid-free preservative system for the collection, transport, and preservation of urine specimens, supporting cultivation of uropathogenic bacteria and yeasts
•Boric acid-free preservative formula: sodium propionate and potassium sorbate replace boric acid (a substance flagged as a Substance of Very High Concern under REACH), simplifying transportation, eliminating specialized handling, and reducing supply chain risk
•48-hour stability, room or refrigerated: preserves the bacterial and yeast load for up to 48 hours at both 20–25°C and 2–8°C, reducing the need for refrigerated transport and supporting flexible processing schedules
•No fill line required: dual cylindrical sponges absorb approximately 1.0–1.5 mL of urine on contact, eliminating over- or under-filling concerns and reducing specimen rejection rates
•Dip-and-close collection: a five-second dip into the urine specimen, return the applicator to the tube, close, and send to the laboratory, with no transfer devices, suction needles, or mixing required
•Built for high-volume urine processing: standardized compact tube design optimized for automated planting, streaking, and Gram slide preparation on Copan WASP^®, with manual centrifugation as a fallback option

The full brochure also covers ESwab^®, FecalSwab^®, and SnotBuster™, plus how Liquid Based Microbiology opens the door for automated specimen processing on WASP^®.

Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used. Specimen collection should be performed by health care personnel who have completed training and demonstrated competency. Product availability and regulatory approval may vary by country or region.

Need help?

Considering a switch to a boric acid-free urine collection system? Our team can walk you through the preservative chemistry, automation compatibility on WASP^®, and what’s involved in transitioning your high-volume urine workflow to UriSponge^®.

Whether you’re evaluating UriSponge^® for a single workflow or rolling it out across your laboratory in support of automation, we’re here to help with verification guidance, training, and change management.

Study Validates Effectiveness of Copan FecalSwab® for Enteric Pathogen Detection on the BD MAX™ System

Key Insights Study Validation Researchers from McMaster University and St Joseph s Healthcare validate Copan s FecalSwab system with the BD MAX platform for detecting enteric pathogens Performance and Sensitivity FecalSwab matched the sensitivity of traditional bulk stool samples with no significant differences in pathogen detection and showed enhanced detection in samples with low pathogen concentrations Storage and Stability Demonstrated effective preservation of viral and bacterial targets under various temperatures for up to two weeks supporting its use in varied clinical environments and simplifying specimen transport logistics Estimated Reading Time Minutes

Comprehensive Guide to Cary-Blair Transport Medium: The Gold Standard for Fecal Sample Collection and Transport

Key Insights Cary-Blair Medium Overview The critical role of Cary-Blair Transport Medium in preserving fecal samples for diagnostic testing Composition and Application Details the specific components of Cary-Blair medium and their functions highlighting its effectiveness in preserving a wide range of enteric pathogens during transport from collection sites to laboratories Usage Guidelines and Innovations Provides practical guidelines for using the medium effectively with Copan s FecalSwab kit which integrates advanced flocked swab technology to improve the recovery and diagnostic accuracy of enteric pathogens Estimated Reading Time - minutes

Study Demonstrates Effectiveness of eNAT® Medium for Long-Term Fecal Microbiome Sample Preservation

The human gut microbiome plays a critical role in health and disease with growing evidence linking microbial composition to immune function metabolism growth and development and protection against infection Studying the gut microbiome often relies on the analysis of fecal samples as they provide a non-invasive window into the complex microbial communities inhabiting the intestinal tract However maintaining the integrity of these microbial profiles during sample collection transport and storage poses significant challenges Traditional methods involving freezing samples at - C are not always feasible particularly in resource-limited settings or during home sample collection Therefore identifying reliable and convenient preservation

Efficacy of The SnotBuster™ (also known as SLSolution™) in Processing Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens for Routine Gram Stain and Culture

Key Insights Study Validation Researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine validate The SnotBuster system also known as SLSolution for processing lower respiratory tract specimens comparing its performance against traditional routine methods Performance and Sensitivity The SnotBuster system demonstrated superior culture results enabling work-up of significantly more pathogens on Day compared to routine procedures with enhanced ease of Gram stain interpretation and bacterial quantitation Bacterial Growth and Morphology The system allows for bacterial growth without inhibition while maintaining clear bacterial morphology and cell structures resulting in easier Gram stain readings and more consistent reproducible specimen planting Versatility in