Evaluation of SIGMA-TRANSWAB® With Foam Tip Swab According to CLSI M40-A2 Using Both Swab Elution and Roll Plate Methods

SIGMA-TRANSWAB® is a liquid transport swab system designed to support both conventional and automated microbiology workflows through the use of a polyurethane foam swab and liquid transport medium. This study evaluated the ability of SIGMA-TRANSWAB® to maintain the viability of the ten bacterial species specified in the CLSI M40-A2 standard using both qualitative (Roll Plate) and quantitative (Swab Elution) test methods. Organisms were stored for up to 48 hours at room temperature and 4°C before recovery and enumeration. SIGMA-TRANSWAB® met all CLSI M40-A2 acceptance criteria across both methodologies, demonstrating effective preservation and recovery of aerobic, anaerobic, and fastidious organisms, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae. The findings confirm that SIGMA-TRANSWAB® provides reliable specimen transport performance under clinically relevant storage conditions and supports accurate downstream microbiological analysis in accordance with internationally recognised quality standards.