An Investigation of the Compatibility of a New Molecular Transport Medium SIGMA-MM™ with a PCR Analytical Platform

SIGMA-MM™ was evaluated for compatibility with a rapid PCR platform for MRSA detection while simultaneously assessing pathogen inactivation and nucleic acid preservation. MRSA-spiked specimens at multiple dilutions were stored in SIGMA-MM™ and tested after 24 hours using the Cepheid GeneXpert® system, with parallel culture performed on chromogenic agar. Across all concentrations tested, MRSA DNA was consistently detected by PCR with no interference from the transport medium, while all culture assays showed no growth, confirming complete microbial inactivation. Negative controls remained PCR-negative and culture-negative. Overall, Sigma MM™ demonstrated full compatibility with molecular detection workflows while effectively inactivating MRSA, supporting its use as a safe transport medium for rapid diagnostic testing without compromising assay performance.