Effective recovery of microorganisms and its identification is dependent on a number of factors such as collection and transportation to the laboratory under conditions which allow maintenance of viability. Amies transport medium w/ charcoal is a modification of Stuarts Transport Medium (1,2,3,4). The medium gives improved recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae due to presence of charcoal in the medium. Charcoal neutralizes the toxic effects of material that may hamper growth of pathogens. Addition of inorganic phosphate buffer and sodium chloride make this medium different from stuarts transport medium. Calcium and magnesium salts control the permeability of bacterial cells. Presence of sodium thioglycollate and small amounts of agar provide a reduced environment. Sterile cotton swabs allow absorption of specimen material while polypropylene shaft allows semi flexibility to the swab stick, aiding in collection.
Application: Recommended for Recovery of Aerobic, Anaerobic and Fastidious Bacteria from Throat, Vaginal and Wound Specimens with Sterile Viscous Swabs. the Specimen Will be Preserved During Transportation and also the Viability of the organisms Will be Maintained. for Optimum Results, the Time Lapse Between Sample Collection and inoculum Onto Culture Medium Should be Reduced to the Minimum