UTM® FAQ
This FAQ page provides information on UTM®, a viral transport medium. Topics covered include what UTM® is, how it is used, what is in the formulation, viability duration, and availability.
Contents
- What is UTM® Universal Transport Medium™?
- How is UTM-RT® Used?
- Where can I find UTM® handling instructions?
- What is in UTM® transport medium?
- Can UTM® be used with molecular assays?
- How soon should specimens in UTM® be processed?
- What UTM® configurations are available?
- How do I confirm UTM® compatibility with a specific assay or instrument?
- How are UTM® and FLOQSwabs® technology related?
- Online Ordering and Distributor Links
- Do You Have Other Questions about UTM® FAQ?
What is UTM® Universal Transport Medium™?
UTM® Universal Transport Medium™ is an FDA 510(k)-cleared system intended for the stabilization and transportation of an unprocessed upper respiratory clinical specimen suspected of containing respiratory viruses’ nucleic acids. UTM® is intended for use with compatible molecular assays.
How is UTM-RT® Used?
Detailed indications for use of UTM are provided in its instructions for use. A healthcare professional collects the appropriate upper respiratory specimen, places the swab into the UTM® tube, closes the tube, and the specimen is transported to the laboratory as soon as possible using healthcare system SOPs. When using a UTM® collection kit, use the medium tube and swab supplied together in the kit. Follow the UTM® instructions for use and the applicable molecular assay instructions.
Where can I find UTM® handling instructions?
The UTM® instructions for use are the primary source for product use, collection, transport, storage, warnings, and limitations. The applicable molecular assay instructions identify accepted specimen types, compatibility, target-analyte processing directions, and any assay-specific handling requirements.
What is in UTM® transport medium?
UTM® includes proteins for virus stabilization, antibiotics and antimycotics intended to prevent overgrowth of bacterial and fungal flora, and a buffered solution designed to maintain a neutral pH. UTM® is ready to use and requires no further preparation.
Can UTM® be used with molecular assays?
Yes. UTM® is intended for use with compatible molecular assays. Compatibility is assay-specific, so consult the assay manufacturer’s instructions for accepted specimen types, transport media, storage conditions, and target-analyte processing directions.
How soon should specimens in UTM® be processed?
Specimens transported in UTM® for respiratory viral nucleic acid investigations should be processed within 96 hours when stored at 2–25°C. Transport specimens to the laboratory as soon as possible and follow the applicable assay instructions, which may specify different or shorter handling conditions.
What UTM® configurations are available?
UTM® is available as ready-to-use medium tubes and as collection kits. Selected kit configurations include a nylon flocked swab. Tube size, tube bottom, swab type, and packaging vary by product code.
Note: Available product configurations may vary by country.
How do I confirm UTM® compatibility with a specific assay or instrument?
Confirm compatibility for specimen type, assay, and instrument. Review the accepted transport medium, tube dimensions, processing window, and whether the workflow requires direct loading or transfer to a secondary tube. This applies to both manual and automated workflows. Follow the assay and instrument instructions and complete any validation required by your laboratory.
How are UTM® and FLOQSwabs® technology related?
Selected UTM® collection-kit configurations include a nylon flocked swab for specimen collection. Refer to the UTM® instructions for use or product information to identify the components supplied with a specific UTM® product code.
Online Ordering and Distributor Links
UTM® is available through COPAN Diagnostics and participating distribution partners, subject to product-code availability by country or region. You can request a sample, view distributor options, or visit the COPAN storefront where available.
Always consult the UTM® instructions for use and the applicable molecular assay instructions for compatibility, collection requirements, specimen-handling conditions, and target-analyte processing directions.
