FAQs on Viral Transport Media During COVID-19

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions relating to the development and use of transport media during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

These questions and answers provide additional clarity on existing policies and do not introduce any new policies or modify any existing policies.

This page includes questions and answers regarding the policies outlined in the Enforcement Policy for Viral Transport Media During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency.

On this page, this guidance is referred to as the COVID-19 Transport Media Policy.

For information regarding the development and performance of tests for SARS-CoV-2, please see the FAQs on Testing for SARS-CoV-2 webpage.

Purpose

To provide a standard operating procedure (SOP) for producing viral transport medium (VTM) for specimens for viral culture or other means of viral detection.
This SOP provides an alternative to commercially available products. There are many acceptable formulations of this medium that may be suitable for the unique conditions of individual laboratories. The specific needs of the shipping and receiving laboratories should be considered when choosing a VTM formulation.

Revision History

Revision Level Document
Section Changes Made to Document Section
05
Purpose
Responsibility
References
Equipment/
Materials
Clarified VTM usage
Added language to extend flexibility to
laboratories if specific requirements are
necessary and documented.
5.5 Addition of Journal of Clinical
Microbiology article
5.6 Addition of original paper from
Indiana University
6.1 Clarified that an aseptic environment
must be used.
6.11 Included “sterile” for HBSS
Note statement-Removed HBSS and FBS