UTM® is a FDA cleared collection and transport system suitable for collection, transport, preservation, and long-term freeze storage of clinical specimens containing viruses for viral molecular diagnostic testing, including COVID-19, chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma organisms and meets CDC Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical COVID-19 Specimens.

UTM® Universal Transport Medium™‘s unique media formulation includes antibiotics to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, without affecting viruses. The transport medium comes in a plastic, red screw cap tube. The transport medium comes in a plastic screw cap tube and maintains organism viability for 48 hours at room or refrigerated temperature.

Below are examples of guides that can be used to illustrate how to collect viral specimens, like COVID-19 or influenza, from different sites. Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used.

Nasopharyngeal UTM® Collection Guide

Oropharyngeal UTM® Collection Guide

Anterior Nares UTM® Collection Guide

The UTM® Viral Transport Medium formulation includes proteins for virus stabilization, antibiotics, and antimycotics to prevent overgrowth of bacterial and fungal flora and a buffer solution to maintain a neutral pH. A phenol red pH indicator provides a visual gauge of the medium integrity throughout the storage and life of the product.

UTM^® has been used successfully for Rapid Antigen Testing, DFA, and for Molecular-Based Assays * Unique media formulation includes antibiotics to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, without affecting viruses, chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma

Yes, UTM® is suitable for collection transport and maintenance for COVID-19 specimens. COPAN has compiled a COVID-19 resource page to facilitate answers to some of the frequently asked questions being received. Here you’ll find easy access to the evolving regulatory guidelines published by the CDC and FDA, COPAN’s distributor part numbers, and other resources about critical products that can be used for collecting, handling, and transporting specimens suspected of COVID-19.

COPAN now offers purchasing sample collection supplies directly from the leading manufacturer in sample collection! Click the button below to visit our new online storefront. Our products are also available through our distribution partners. 

_{*Always read the manufacturer’s package insert for specific instructions regarding specimen collection and transport for the type of test kit being used.}

_{** Check for current guidance with the FDA, CDC, or other local, state, or federal governing bodies for the latest recommendations.}