Virus Preservation Solution

Virus preservation solution is an important reagent used for preserving virus samples, playing a crucial role in many fields such as virus detection and research.

Composition and Principle

1. Composition

• The main components of virus preservation solution include buffer solutions, proteins (such as bovine serum albumin), and antibiotics. Buffer solutions are used to maintain the stability of the pH value of the solution, creating a relatively stable chemical environment for viruses and preventing them from losing their activity due to drastic changes in pH value. Protein components like bovine serum albumin can provide certain nutrients for viruses and reduce damage to viruses during the preservation process. Antibiotics are used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. If microorganisms grow in the samples, they will consume the nutrients in the virus preservation solution, and the metabolites produced by microorganisms may cause damage to the viruses.
• Some virus preservation solutions will also add some special components, such as nuclease inhibitors. For virus samples that need nucleic acid detection, nuclease inhibitors can prevent the degradation of viral nucleic acids and ensure the accuracy of subsequent nucleic acid extraction and detection.

2. Preservation Principle
   By maintaining a suitable chemical environment and nutrient supply and inhibiting the growth of other microorganisms, viruses can maintain their activity in the preservation solution. In this relatively stable environment, the structure and nucleic acids of viruses can be well protected, extending the survival time of viruses outside the body, thus facilitating subsequent operations such as detection, isolation, and cultivation.

Characteristics

1. Efficiently Preserve Virus Activity
   It can effectively extend the survival time of viruses, ensuring that viruses still maintain sufficient activity for detection during the period from sample collection to detection. For example, in the nucleic acid detection of the novel coronavirus, using high-quality virus preservation solution can ensure that the viral nucleic acids are not rapidly degraded during transportation and storage, improving the positive detection rate.
2. Strong Compatibility
   It is compatible with multiple virus detection technologies. Whether it is nucleic acid detection (such as real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR) or antigen detection, the samples preserved by virus preservation solution can adapt well to the detection process. This enables it to play a role in different virus detection scenarios and provides convenience for the rapid and accurate detection of viruses.
3. Good Stability
   It can maintain relatively stable performance under different temperature conditions. Some virus preservation solutions can be preserved for a period of time at room temperature, and the preservation time is even longer under low-temperature conditions. This stability is beneficial to the transportation and storage of samples, reducing the reliance on cold chain transportation and lowering transportation costs and difficulties.
4. Simple Operation
   Usually, when collecting virus samples, it is only necessary to directly put the collection tools (such as swabs) into the virus preservation solution. This simple operation method reduces the errors and pollution risks during the sample collection process and is convenient for medical staff and scientific researchers to use.

Specific Applications

1. Medical Detection Field
   It is used for the detection of various viral infectious diseases, such as influenza virus, novel coronavirus, hepatitis B virus, etc. After virus sampling, the samples are put into the virus preservation solution and sent to the laboratory for detection. This can ensure the quality of the samples and improve the accuracy of detection, providing reliable data support for disease diagnosis, treatment, and epidemic prevention and control.
2. Virus Research Field
   It is an important tool for virology research. Scientific researchers can use the samples preserved by virus preservation solution to conduct virus isolation, cultivation, gene sequencing, and other studies. Through in-depth research on viruses, we can better understand the characteristics, transmission rules, and pathogenic mechanisms of viruses, providing a theoretical basis for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.
3. Biological Sample Bank Construction
   In the construction of biological sample banks, virus preservation solution is used to preserve various virus samples. These samples can serve as resources for future research and detection. For example, when new virus variants emerge or retrospective studies on certain viruses are needed, the samples in the biological sample bank can play an important role.

Precautions

1. Storage Conditions
   It should be stored in accordance with the requirements of the product instructions. Generally, it needs to be stored in a cool and dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. Some virus preservation solutions need to be stored at a low temperature, such as 2 – 8 °C, to ensure their performance and preservation effect.
2. Sample Collection Specifications
   When collecting virus samples, it is necessary to ensure the quality and cleanliness of the collection tools. Use qualified swabs and other tools to avoid contaminating the samples. The collection process should be carried out strictly in accordance with the operating procedures, such as the correct sampling sites and sampling depths, to ensure that sufficient virus samples are collected and effectively preserved.
3. Prevent Leakage and Pollution
   Since the virus preservation solution contains virus samples, it is necessary to prevent the leakage of the preservation solution during transportation and use. Once leaked, it may cause pollution and harm to the surrounding environment and personnel. For the preservation solution containing highly pathogenic viruses, more stringent protective measures should be taken, such as using double packaging and ensuring good sealing.
4. Expiration Date Management
   Pay attention to the expiration date of the virus preservation solution. Expired preservation solutions may lose their ability to preserve viruses and affect the quality of samples. Check the expiration date before use and try to use fresh preservation solutions as much as possible.