PrimeStore® MTM safely inactivates pathogenic samples whilst preserving DNA and RNA by denaturing nucleases and proteases. This allows sample processing outside controlled containment and eliminates the risks of transporting live pathogenic samples.

Please note that the user is responsible for validating downstream extraction and purification methodologies. PrimeStore MTM should not be used with any analyzers that utilize a bleach decontamination step, such as Hologic platforms.

Platforms without nucleic acid extraction steps should not be used in the final assay as PrimeStore MTM will denature all enzymes used within the assay.

Flocked swabs of man-made materials (i.e. not cotton with a wooden shaft) can be used. At this time, Longhorn does not have experience with 3D-printed swabs in PrimeStore® MTM.

The procedure is specific to the extraction kit being used and not specific to PrimeStore MTM. Samples must be incubated in PrimeStore® MTM for 60 minutes before DNA/RNA extraction.

The sample should be collected and placed into the PrimeStore® MTM solution. It should be noted that samples (including swabs) should be added at a maximum ratio of one part sample to three parts PrimeStore® MTM.

If using a sample swab, the swab should be snapped at the breakage point and then sealed into the PrimeStore® MTM vial.

The user should then shake the vial for 3-5 seconds and allow the sample to incubate in PrimeStore® MTM for a minimum of 60 minutes before sample processing. Samples should be vortexed for 3-5 seconds before DNA and RNA extraction.

Labs processing samples collected in PrimeStore® MTM should handle all waste by following their own Waste Disposal Protocols for their routine nucleic acid extraction kits (after acid).

Samples are stable for 7 days at ambient temperature and 28 days at 2-8oC. They can be bio-banked for long-term storage. It should be noted that samples will not be affected by multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Studies have shown longer stability for RNA at both ambient and high temperatures from the time of collection to the time of nucleic acid extraction compared with other transport media.

Due to certain components of the PrimeStore® MTM solution, you must first undertake a nucleic acid extraction process before you conduct an RT-PCR assay. However, you can place a sample from PrimeStore® MTM into the Cepheid GeneXPert cartridge along with the Cepheid PBS solution without first performing an extraction step.