Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium
Device Facts
| Record ID | K202531 |
|---|---|
| Device Name | Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium |
| Applicant | Azer Scientific, Inc. |
| Product Code | JSM · Microbiology |
| Decision Date | Apr 11, 2024 |
| Decision | SESE |
| Submission Type | Traditional |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 866.2390 |
| Device Class | Class 1 |
Indications for Use
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens, containing respiratory viruses from the collection site to the testing laboratory. The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is a culture-based media that can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for the isolation and detection of upper respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Adenovirus.
Device Story
Device consists of plastic screw-cap tube containing 3 mL isotonic, non-toxic transport medium and three 3 mm glass beads; supplied alone or in kits with flocked or foam swabs. Medium contains Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, BSA, L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, gelatin, HEPES buffer, sucrose, Phenol red, and antibiotics (Vancomycin, Amphotericin B, Colistin). Used by clinicians to collect upper respiratory specimens; specimens transported to laboratory for viral culture. Medium maintains viral stability and inhibits competing microbial growth. Phenol red serves as visual pH indicator. Supports viral recovery for up to 48 hours at 2-25°C.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Viral recovery study performed using spiked pooled human nasopharyngeal swab matrix (negative by RT-PCR). Tested Influenza A, Adenovirus, and RSV at 0, 24, and 48 hours at 2-8°C and 20-25°C. Recovery measured via TCID50/mL and percent log reduction using Reed-Muench method. All results met acceptance criteria (change within one log or ≤90% of baseline). Shelf-life stability (12 months) and sterility/contamination checks also performed.
Technological Characteristics
Isotonic, non-toxic transport medium in plastic conical-bottom tubes. Formulation: Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, BSA, L-cysteine, gelatin, sucrose, L-glutamic acid, HEPES, phenol red, Vancomycin, Amphotericin B, Colistin. pH 7.3 ± 0.2. Includes 3 mm glass beads. Swabs: Flocked nylon or reticulated polyurethane foam. Shelf life: 12 months at 2-25°C. Non-sterile medium; components sterilized via moist heat or filtration; swabs provided sterile.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens containing respiratory viruses (Influenza A, RSV, Adenovirus) from the collection site to the laboratory for culture-based isolation and detection.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A transport culture medium is a device that consists of a semisolid, usually non-nutrient, medium that maintains the viability of suspected pathogens contained in patient specimens while in transit from the specimen collection area to the laboratory. The device aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms and also provides epidemiological information on these diseases.
Predicate Devices
- Copan Universal Transport Medium (utm-rt) System (K042970)
Related Devices
- K242576 — AllTest Viral Transport Medium · Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd. · Apr 4, 2025
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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FDA
U.S. FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
K202531
B Applicant
Azer Scientific, Inc.
C Proprietary and Established Names
Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| JSM | Class I, reserved | 21 CFR 866.2390 - Transport Culture Medium | MI - Microbiology |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
To obtain a substantial equivalence determination for the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium for the collection and transport of clinical specimens containing viruses.
B Measurand:
Not Applicable.
C Type of Test:
Non-propagating Transport Device with Culture Medium
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
A Intended Use(s):
See Indications for Use below.
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
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B Indication(s) for Use:
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens, containing respiratory viruses from the collection site to the testing laboratory. The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is a culture-based media that can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for the isolation and detection of upper respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Adenovirus.
C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
D Special Instrument Requirements:
Not Applicable.
IV Device/System Characteristics:
A Device Description:
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium includes a plastic screw-cap tube with conical bottom containing 3 mL of transport medium and three, 3 mm size glass beads. Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium tubes can be supplied alone or in a kit format with one of three different collection swab options in a sterile peel pouch.
Swab Options:
- PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Standard Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Regular Flock Tipped Specimen Collection Applicator and Plastic Handle (80mm Breakpoint) (SKU#: 25-3306-U).
- PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Revised Ultrafine Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Revised Ultrafine Flock Tipped Applicator with Plastic Handle (80mm breakpoint) (SKU#: 25-3320-U EMB 80MM)
- Azer Scientific 3" Foam Swab, individually wrapped, sterile (ES45019S)
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is offered in the following configurations:
| SKU | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | | PACKAGING |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | TUBE | SWAB | |
| PFUTM-10 | 3 mL universal transport medium in 10mL screw cap tube with internal shaped conical bottom with 3 mm size glass beads | NA | 50/Pack |
| PFUTM-15 | 3 mL universal transport medium in 15mL screw cap tube with internal shaped conical bottom with 3 mm size glass beads | NA | 50/Pack |
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| ES45019S | NA | Azer Scientific Foam Swab, individually wrapped, sterile | 500/pack |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NPKIT-10 | PFUTM-10 | PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Revised Ultrafine Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Revised Ultrafine Flock Tipped Applicator with Plastic Handle (80mm breakpoint) | 50/pack |
| MCKIT-10 | PFUTM-10 | PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Standard Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Regular Flock Tipped Specimen Collection Applicator and Plastic Handle (80mm Breakpoint) | 50/pack |
| FOAMKIT-10 | PFUTM-10 | 3" Foam Specimen Collection Swab | 50/pack |
| NPKIT-15 | PFUTM-15 | PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Revised Ultrafine Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Revised Ultrafine Flock Tipped Applicator with Plastic Handle (80mm breakpoint) | 50/pack |
| MCKIT-15 | PFUTM-15 | PurFlock Ultra 6" Sterile Standard Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, 80mm Breakpoint. Regular Flock Tipped Specimen Collection Applicator and Plastic Handle (80mm Breakpoint) | 50/pack |
| FOAMKIT - 15 | PFUTM-15 | 3" Foam Specimen collection Swab | 50/pack |
B Principle of Operation:
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium System is an isotonic and non-toxic medium. The medium consists of the following: Hank's Balanced Salt Solution. Bovine Serum Albumin,
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L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, Vancomycin, Amphotericin B, Colistin, gelatin, HEPES Buffer, sucrose and Phenol red. The Hank's buffer creates a neutral environment to help increase the stability of the virus. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) acts as a protein stabilizer by forming a protective film on the protein shell of the virus, making it less likely to break down and ensuring the integrity of the virus. Vancomycin, Amphotericin B, and Colistin inhibit the proliferation of competing bacteria and yeasts. L-glutamic acid serves as an auxiliary energy source to keep cell and virus stability. HEPES buffer provides additional help to maintain a stable pH. Phenol red is a pH indicator which serves as a visual quality control mechanism. The L-cysteine, gelatin, and sucrose, helps in preserving the virus.
V Substantial Equivalence Information:
A Predicate Device Name(s): Copan Universal Transport Medium (utm-rt) System
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s): K042970
C Comparison with Predicate(s):
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | Device: K202531 | Predicate: K042970 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium | Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT) System |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens, containing respiratory viruses from the collection site to the testing laboratory. The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is a culture-based media that can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for the isolation and detection of upper respiratory | Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT) System is intended for the collection and transport of clinical specimens containing viruses, Chlamydiae, Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma from the collection site to the testing laboratory. UTM-RT can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for viral, chlamydial, mycoplasma and ureaplasma culture. |
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| | viruses including Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Adenovirus. | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Single-Use Device | Yes | Same |
| Medium Formulation | Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution
Bovine Serum Albumin
L-cysteine
Gelatin
Sucrose
L-glutamic acid
HEPES buffer
Vancomycin
Amphotericin B
Colistin
Phenol red | Same |
| pH | 7.3 ± 0.2 | Same |
| Storage Temperature | 2 – 25°C | Same |
| Glass Beads | 3 x 3 mm | Same |
| Container | Plastic, conical bottom | Same |
| Product Configuration | Media in tube with cap or Media Kit; Media in tube with cap and sterile swab options | Same |
| Shelf Life | 12 months | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Fill Volume | 3 mL | 1.5 mL; 3 mL; or 10 mL |
| Swab Tip | Flocked Nylon (Specimen Collection and NP Swabs)
Reticulated Polyurethane Foam (Mid-turbinate Foam Swab) | Polyester |
| Swab Shaft | Polypropylene (Specimen Collection, | Plastic; Stainless Steel - Plastic |
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| | NP, and Foam Swabs) | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supported Strains | Viruses:
Influenza A
Adenovirus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Viruses:
Adenovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Echovirus Type 30 (Echo 30)
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV1)
HSV2
Influenza A
Parainfluenza Type 3
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
Chlamydiae:
Chlamydia pneumoniae Strain CM-1
Chlamydia trachomatis Type 1 Strain UW-12/UR
Mycoplasma:
Mycoplasma hominis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Ureaplasma:
Ureaplasma urealyticum |
| Sample Stability | 48 hrs. at 2-8°C or 20-25°C | 48 hrs. at 4°C or 20-25°C |
VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
Not Applicable.
VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
A Analytical Performance:
1. Precision/Reproducibility:
Not Applicable.
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2. Linearity:
Not Applicable.
3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
Not Applicable.
4. Assay Reportable Range:
Not Applicable.
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
Shelf-life:
The shelf-life of the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium was determined to be 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored at 2-25°C. Three lots of Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium were assessed qualitatively at each time point for functionality and physical characteristics using real time ageing studies. In the real time study, media lots were held at 2-8°C, and 20-25°C for 12 months (T=0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months).
a) Appearance
To evaluate appearance, the different lots of the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium were visually examined. The appearance of the product was observed to have no significant color change (pink, transparent), precipitate, particulates, or cloudy appearance. All lots tested at each time point passed the criteria for appearance when held at 2-8°C, and 20-25°C.
b) pH Stability
The pH of the media was used as one of the indicators to support product stability. For all the tubes at each time point and each lot, the pH was within the targeted range of 7.3±0.2 when held at 2-8°C and 20-25°C only.
c) Microbial contamination check
Microbial contamination was determined by incubating an appropriate number of Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium lots overnight at 37±2°C and examined for growth contaminants. All lots tested at each time point and each temperature passed the criteria for no contamination (no growth) when held at 2-8°C, and 20-25°C.
Sterility:
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium is not claimed to be sterile nor is it intended to be sterilized by the end user. To decrease the chances of contamination, components of the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium are either sterilized by moist heat sterilization or filter sterilization and the transport medium is filled aseptically under controlled conditions. The swabs provided with the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium are individually packaged and are sold as sterile.
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# 6. Detection Limit:
# Performance Testing - Viral Recovery:
Performance of the Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium was evaluated by performing culture-based recovery studies. The viral recovery study was conducted by spiking virus stock Influenza A/Puerto Rico-8-9VMC2/1934 (H1N1), Human Adenovirus 10 JJ (AV), and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Strain A1998/3-2 (HRSV) into pooled, human nasopharyngeal swab sample matrix tested as negative using an FDA cleared RT-PCR assay.
Performance evaluation was carried out using three (3) lots of test kits each including a PurFlock Ultra $6^{\circ}$ Sterile Revised Ultrafine Flock Swab w/Polystyrene Handle, $80~\mathrm{mm}$ Breakpoint swab provided with Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium with serial dilutions of each virus $(10^{-1}, 10^{-2}, 10^{-3}$ and $10^{-4})$ spiked into negative clinical matrix in triplicate. Contrived samples were held at both $2 - 8^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ and $20 - 25^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ for 0, 24, and 48 hours in a 96-well plate.
Samples in the 96-well plate were examined under the microscope for cytopathic effect (CPE) after the appropriate incubation period for each virus time point. Viral titers of samples collected at 0, 24, and 48 hours were calculated for recovery and determined by percent log reduction of $\mathrm{TCID}_{50} / \mathrm{mL}$ using the Reed-Muench method. Host cell lines used for the different viruses are outlined in Table 1. Viral Recovery study data is outlined in Table 2. Any change of virus titer that was within one log (+/-90%) from the baseline (time point 0) was considered acceptable.
Table 1: Host Cells
| Organism | Strain ID | Host Cell/Growth Medium |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Influenza A/Puerto Rico-8-9VMC2/1934 (H1N1) | NR-29027 | MDCK cells/EMEM + 10% FBS |
| Human Adenovirus 10 JJ (AV) | NR-53907 | A549 cells/EMEM + 10% FBS |
| Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Strain A1998/3-2 (HRSV) | NR-28529 | HEP-2 cells/EMEM + 10% FBS |
Table 2: Viral Recovery
| Viral Strain | Duration (hrs.) | 2-8°C | | 20-25°C | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Average TCID50/mL | Average Percent Change (- is a reduction) | Average TCID50/mL | Average Percent Change (- is a reduction) |
| Influenza A/Puerto Rico-8-9VMC2/1934 (H1N1) | 0 | 4.74 x 103 | N/A | 4.74 x 103 | N/A |
| | 24 | 11.03 x 103 | 133%* | 8.76 x 103 | 85% |
| | 48 | 8.38 x 103 | 77% | 6.69 x 103 | 41% |
| Adenovirus 10 JJ (AV) | 0 | 22.43 x 103 | N/A | 22.43 x 103 | N/A |
| | 24 | 14.30 x 103 | -36% | 39.47 x 103 | 76% |
| | 48 | 9.53 x 103 | -58% | 13.94 x 103 | -38% |
| Human Respiratory | 0 | 16.48 x 103 | N/A | 16.48 x 103 | N/A |
| | 24 | 10.01 x 103 | -39% | 15.50 x 103 | -6% |
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| Viral Strain
Syncytial Virus (HRSV) | Duration (hrs.) | 2-8°C | | 20-25°C | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Average TCID_{50}/mL | Average Percent Change (- is a reduction) | Average TCID_{50}/mL | Average Percent Change (- is a reduction) |
| | 48 | 16.47 x 10^{3} | -0% | 12.63 x 10^{3} | -23% |
*Considered acceptable because subsequent timepoint, i.e., 48 h time points showed ≤ 90% increase.
## Conclusion of the culture-based viral recovery study:
The Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium demonstrated the recovery of H1N1 Influenza BEI NR-29027, Adenovirus 10 JJ, and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in all replicates at tested incubation times and storage conditions met the acceptance criteria. This data supports the transportation of Influenza A, Adenovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Azer Scientific Universal Transport Medium when stored refrigerated (2-8°C) or room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 48 hours.
7. **Assay Cut-Off:**
Not Applicable.
## B Comparison Studies:
1. **Method Comparison with Predicate Device:**
Not Applicable.
2. **Matrix Comparison:**
Not Applicable.
## C Clinical Studies:
1. **Clinical Sensitivity:**
Not Applicable.
2. **Clinical Specificity:**
Not Applicable.
3. **Other Clinical Supportive Data (When 1. and 2. Are Not Applicable):**
Not Applicable.
## D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not Applicable.
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E Expected Values/Reference Range:
Not Applicable.
VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
IX Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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