Evaluation of SIGMA-VCM™ in the Storage and Transportation of Ureaplasma spp

Ureaplasma spp. viability was evaluated in SIGMA-VCM™ transport medium under multiple storage temperatures (RT, 4°C, −20°C, −80°C) over up to 264 hours using ATCC and clinical strains, with and without swab systems. Viability was quantified via colour change units (CCU) in selective medium and serial dilution titration. SIGMA-VCM™ maintained Ureaplasma viability for up to 4 days at room temperature and extended survival to at least 264 hours at 4°C. Frozen storage (−20°C and −80°C) generally preserved viability, with strain-dependent variability in freeze–thaw resilience. Performance met and exceeded CLSI M40-A2 transport requirements, with evidence of prolonged organism stability under refrigerated and frozen conditions. Overall, SIGMA-VCM™ supported robust preservation of Ureaplasma spp. during extended transport and storage, including conditions involving freeze–thaw cycling.