Mpox inactivation was achieved within 60 seconds using S-MM(tm), along with patient friendly collection swabs.

As Mpox cases continue to skyrocket, S-MM(tm) and soft touch foam swabs lead the charge in combatting them.

Following the global Mpox outbreak in non-endemic countries in 2022, medical communities around the world have sought safer and more efficient ways of transporting and testing virus samples, especially from areas with limited biological containment facilities. Responding to this critical need, innovative products like S-MM(tm) medium and Soft Touch Foam Swab have emerged as game-changers in diagnostic testing by offering patients comfort during sample collection and transporting processes.

Image Credits: Medical Wire.

Understanding Mpox and Its Challenges in Testing

Mpox, caused by an orthopoxvirus related to smallpox virus, has seen an unprecedented outbreak in cases outside its usual geographic distribution areas. According to NHS, symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle aches as well as fluid-filled blisters on its distinctive rash that appear fluid-filled blisters; it typically self-limits but severe strains have the potential for lasting infection – prompt diagnosis is critical in managing effectively as early detection prevents further transmission and aids treatment plans.

Testing Mpox presents unique challenges. Because this virus has greater resistance than most enveloped viruses to certain disinfectants and provides long-term environmental stability, proper transport of any samples taken must ensure their integrity without risking damaging viral DNA needed for accurate identification.

Independent study confirms S-MM(tm) effectively inactivates Mpox virus.

S-MM(tm), an innovative transport medium designed to rapidly inactivate deadly pathogens like Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, has been extensively researched. Test results conducted at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) extended this testing to include DNA viruses such as Mpox that is resistant to disinfectants such as bleach. What sets S-MM(tm) apart is its speed – being 30x quicker than any inactivation mediums on the market today!

At LSTM, S-MM(tm) was put through rigorous trials across three lots and four conditions to ascertain its efficiency in neutralizing Mpox virus. The results of these trials were encouraging: no viral plaques were observed among serial dilutions or undiluted pellets for any sample tested indicating complete inactivation; control samples on the other hand retained an average titre range from 5.06×102 PFU/mL up. This demonstrated S-MM(tm)’s high efficacy at neutralizing Mpox virus thus providing safe transport of samples intended for testing; especially useful when testing using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction diagnostic techniques like qPCR diagnostic techniques (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction).

Soft touch foam swabs: Offering patient-oriented sample collection.

Soft Touch Foam Swab (STFS) plays an essential part in collecting samples from Mpox lesions, especially sensitive areas they frequently impact. Patient comfort during sample collection is of utmost importance due to their painful nature; therefore this non-invasive and gentle texture of STFS makes it the ideal tool for use on wounds while simultaneously upholding sample integrity for accurate testing results.

S-MM(tm) combined with soft touch foam swabs provides healthcare providers with a comprehensive solution, as samples can be safely and comfortably collected, then transported without risking contamination or degradation during transportation. As Mpox remains a public health risk, this development represents an invaluable step toward managing an outbreak as well as safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers from infection.

As Mpox continues its spread globally, adopting advanced diagnostic tools may become critical in managing future outbreaks. Healthcare systems around the globe must prepare themselves to deal with new waves of Mpox or similar infections in an effective and timely fashion; and S-MM(tm) medium and soft touch foam swabs stand as essential medical devices in their fight against infectious disease outbreaks.