AMIES TRANSPORT MEDIUM
o:p>
For the collection and transport of specimens
Code: CB1/1002
Typical formula g/l
| Charcoal |
10.00 |
| Sodium chloride |
3.00 |
| Calcium chloride |
0.10 |
| Potassium chloride |
0.20 |
| Magnesium chloride |
0.10 |
| Monopotassium phosphate |
0.20 |
| Disodium phosphate |
1.15 |
| Sodium thioglycollate |
1.00 |
| Agar |
4.00 |
Final pH 7.0 +/- 0.1
Directions
Suspend 19.75 g in 1000 ml of cold distilled water. Heat to boiling with frequent agitation, distribute into small screw-cap tubes or bottles and sterilise by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. The charcoal must be properly suspended in the medium; invert the bottles or the tubes when they are cool but the agar still liquid.
Description
Amies Transport Medium is a semisolid medium used for the transport of clinical specimens to be subjected to bacteriological analysis. The charcoal present in the medium permits a high survival rate of the bacteria from faecal specimens and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, whilst the sodium thioglycollate lowers the redox potential of the medium, thereby allowing a better conservation of anaerobic bacteria. The glycerophosphate in Stuart's medium, used as a source of energy for the growth of coliforms and other Gram-negative bacteria, is substituted for in Amies Trasport Medium by a saline buffer solution. In this way, the overgrowth of common contaminants, especially in specimens for gonococcus research is avoided. Amies medium contains 3 g/l of sodium chloride to allow the optimal preservation of N. gonorrhoea. Amies Transport Medium permits conservation of haemolytic streptococci for more than 3 days, of N. gonorrhoea, Bordetella pertussis, and Fusobacterium for 48-72 hours. Amies Transport medium is available also in ready to use tubes.
In use
To transport specimens, insert a third of the swab with which the material has been collected into the centre of the medium, then cut the rod and screw the test-tube stopper down to clamp the swab.
Storage
Dehydrated medium: 15-30°C
User prepared tubes: 6 month at 15-30°C.
Reference
Amies, C.R. (1967), Can. J. Pub. Hth.. 58, 296-300.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]