Transport Media Safety Risk - Use Compatible Transport Media with SARS-CoV-2 Testing Platforms that Use Bleach

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/transport-media-safety-risk-use-compatible-transport-media-sars-cov-2-tests-use-bleach-letter?utm_campaign=2020-06-04%20Transport%20Media%20Safety%20Risk%20Letter%20to%20Health%20Care%20Providers&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Transport Media Safety Risk - Use Compatible Transport Media with SARS-CoV-2 Tests that Use Bleach: Letter to Clinical Laboratory Staff and Health Care Providers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds laboratory staff that some transport media (the liquid that maintains a specimen sample while it is transported to a laboratory) and SARS-CoV-2 testing platforms are not compatible. There is a risk of exposure to harmful cyanide gas, a by-product of a reaction between guanidine thiocyanate and similar chemicals used in certain transport media and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) used in certain SARS-CoV2 testing platforms or laboratory processes.

Read More The Letter to Clinical Laboratory Staff and Health Care Providers includes important information about using transport media that are compatible with SARS-CoV-2 testing platforms, including: Details on which testing platforms are not compatible with PrimeStore MTM, Zymo DNA/RNA Shield, Spectrum Solutions Saliva Collection Device, and any other transport media that contain guanidine thiocyanate and similar chemicals due to this hazardous chemical reaction. Recommendations for laboratory staff.  Instructions for reporting problems with a device.  Questions? If you have questions about the use of transport media and compatible SARS-CoV-2 testing platforms, contact COVID19DX@fda.hhs.gov .