1948: Stuart's Medium In 1948, Dr. R.D. Stuart and co-workers efforts led to the introduction of universal transport medium. It consisted of Sodium Thioglycolate, Sodium Glycerophosphate, Calcium Chloride and Methylene Blue as a color indicator. And it’s for maintaining the viability of organisms while in transit using a swab as a collecting device for the first time. Two decades later Cary and Blair modified Stuart's medium by replacing Sodium Glycerophosphate with inorganic phosphate and raised the pH to 8.4. 1967: Amies Medium In 1967, Dr. Amies confirmed Cary and Blair's finding and further modified the Stuart's formula by eliminating Methylene Blue and adding inorganic phosphate salts as buffering agents and charcoal. These modifications resulted in higher percentage of positive cultures, especially in samples containing fastidious organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Stuart's and Amies universal viral transport swabs have since been the most popular and commonly used transport systems for a wide range of clinically significant microorganisms while Cary and Blair's medium supported the viability of the enteric pathogens in fecal samples.Today these universal transport media remain the preferred choice even though little change in formulation has occurred during the past several decades. Development of Sepcimen Sampling Swab Technology However, the swab collection devices, which are the critical component of any transport system, have continuously evolved and gone through multiple technological advancements in design, materials and performance characteristics to the point that no longer one swab fits for all purposes. 2000s: Sampling Flocked Swabs This specimen collection device, nylon flocked swab, is widely used in the clinical diagnostic field for improved sample collection, complete sample release and patient comfort. The unique micro-geometry of each flock fiber increases the surface area on the swab tip. This sampling folocked swab's geometry fiber, best described as ‘split ends’ provides increased surface tension and micro channels for the collection and release of small single cells.

How to avoid accidental viral infection during nucleic acid swab specimen collection？ In nucleic acid testing, there are several factors that may increase the chance of viral infection. How to avoid accidental infection during nucleic acid sampling? 1 The first suggestion is to hold your breath while sampling pcr nasal swab to avoid exhaling or inhaling aerosols in nasal swab test. 2 The second suggestion, we default nucleic acid collection area belongs to the contaminated area, so do not touch anything in nasal swab test area. 3 The third suggestion, after going home, we can change the mask and take a bath. With these measures, the risk of infection can be minimized during nucleic acid sampling.

The Rapid Antigen Test Kit provides rapid results for fast detection of Sras-Cov-2 antigen The Rapid Antigen Test allows getting a quick result within 15-30 minutes, no need for a follow-up appointment to discuss the result. Milti sample collection swab available for Lateral Flow Test: Nasopharyngeal swabs, anterior nasal swab, Oropharyngeal swabs, oral swab, sputum, etc. Lateral Flow Test allowing decentralized testing or access to testing in areas where laboratory testing is not available. Comparison of Covid-19 test method Covid-19 Test Method Nucleic Acid Detection Rapid Antigen Test Lateral Flow Test Detection Principle RT-PCR method for detection of SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid Double-antibody sandwich method for detection of SARS-COV-2 antigen Sample Type Nasopharyngeal swabs, anterior nasal swab, Oropharyngeal swabs, oral swab, sputum, etc. Nasopharyngeal swabs, Oropharyngeal swabs, anterior nasal swab, oral swab, sputum, etc. Sample Preparation RNA extraction No pre-processing Testing Process Need to use fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument, the detection process is about 1 -2 hours No instrument is needed during the Rapid Antigen Test detection process, and the results are produced in 15-20 minutes Interpretation of Results The results need to be processed and analyzed by professionals Visual interpretation Accuracy of Results Affected by sample preparation, false negatives may occur Lateral Flow Test provide good specificity and high sensitivity