Evaluation of Liquid-Based Swab Transport Systems Against the New Approved CLSI M40-A2 Standard

Evaluated against the revised CLSI M40-A2 standard, SIGMA-TRANSWAB® foam, SIGMA-TRANSWAB® PurFlock®, and SIGMA-TRANSWAB® PurFlock® Minitip systems demonstrated full compliance for the recovery and maintenance of aerobic, anaerobic, and fastidious microorganisms. Using both qualitative (roll-plate) and quantitative (swab elution) methods, all three transport systems maintained organism viability and met acceptance criteria at room temperature and 4°C throughout the specified holding periods. The findings confirm the suitability of SIGMA-TRANSWAB® liquid Amies transport systems for preserving clinically relevant microorganisms and support their use in laboratories requiring compliance with current CLSI M40-A2 quality standards.