MedSchenker VTM Tubes: Viral Transport Medium 3.0 mL
VTM tubes are pre-filled, screw-cap polypropylene tubes containing viral transport medium — an isotonic Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution buffer with heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, gentamicin, and amphotericin B that preserves virus viability and viral RNA between specimen collection and laboratory testing. The MedSchenker line follows CDC SOP DSR-052, is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, and ships in 3.0 mL and 1.5 mL formats inside 95 kPa IATA-compliant polypropylene tubes.
Clinical and virology labs get reliable specimen preservation and direct specialist contact through MBP. Request a quote by contacting customerservice@mbpinc.net
VTM Tubes
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What are VTM tubes?
VTM tubes are pre-filled, screw-cap polypropylene tubes containing viral transport medium — an isotonic buffer designed to preserve virus viability and viral RNA between specimen collection and PCR or culture in the lab. The CDC reference formulation (SOP DSR-052) is Hank's Balanced Salt Solution with 2 % heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, 100 µg/mL gentamicin, and 0.5 µg/mL amphotericin B — antibiotics that suppress contaminating bacteria and fungi without inactivating the target virus. Most are sold as 3 mL aliquots in a 10 mL or 15 mL conical tube. Buy from this category whenever a respiratory or other virus specimen must travel from the point of collection to a testing laboratory.
What You Will Find:
- Viral Transport Medium (VTM) Tubes – Medical-grade vials designed to maintain viral viability during transit.
- Universal Transport Medium (UTM) – Versatile, bead-free systems for preserving viruses, chlamydia, and mycoplasma.
- DNA/RNA Shield Collection Tubes – Advanced tubes that lock in nucleic acid profiles and inactivate pathogens.
- Smart Collection & Transport Systems – High-performance vials and kits for streamlined diagnostic management.
- Saliva Collection Kits – User-friendly funnel and vial systems for non-invasive, high-yield sampling.
- Flocked Swab & Medium Combos – Precision-engineered pairings for maximum recovery and immediate stabilization.
How to choose VTM tubes
Verify the formulation against CDC SOP
Confirm the medium follows CDC SOP DSR-052 (HBSS + 2 % HI-FBS + gentamicin + amphotericin B); some lots substitute 1 % bovine serum albumin or fluconazole — both are accepted variants, but the substitution should be on the certificate of analysis.
Check tube material and IATA compliance
For specimen shipping, the primary tube should be polypropylene, screw-capped, and rated to 95 kPa internal pressure per IATA packaging instruction 650. MedSchenker tubes are 100 % polypropylene and 95 kPa compliant.
Match volume to the swab and assay
3 mL of medium in a 10 mL tube is the CDC reference fill for nasopharyngeal swabs; 1 mL or 1.5 mL versions exist for pediatric and difficult-to-collect specimens where dilution must be minimized.
Confirm storage and stability
Standard VTM stabilizes respiratory viruses for about 72 hours at 2–8 °C; some commercial formulations are room-temperature stable for up to six months. The MedSchenker Smart Transport Medium variant maintains organism viability for 96 hours at room temperature.
Specifications context
A VTM tube is defined by its formulation, fill volume, primary container material, screw-cap design, and validated stability window. The MedSchenker line is manufactured by Vectormed (a Vectornate company, headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey, and manufactured in South Korea), is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, and ships sterile in individual peel-pouch or bulk case packaging. As of 2026, MBP stocks 3.0 mL and 1.5 mL MedSchenker VTM formats and the Smart Transport Medium variant alongside paired flocked swabs.
Don’t let your viral titers drop. Browse our VTM inventory and hit up the MBP team for a custom quote today.
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