Sigma MM™ contains a powerful reagent-based medium which kills pathogens immediately while retaining DNA and RNA intact, ready and safe for analysis. The medium disturbs and lyses lipid membranes, destroys proteins including DNase and RNase, leaving stable intact DNA or RNA.

Specimens collected into Sigma MM™ can be transported at ambient temperatures. No freezing or refrigeration is required.

Specimens can be collected using any microbiology swabs, including MWE Transwabs® , Dryswabs™ and Sigma Range products.

The Sigma MM™ device is a highly effective single step collection, storage and transport system for specimens where there is a high risk of dangerous pathogens. Microorganisms such as bacteria, including mycobacteria, and viruses are killed within seconds, while DNA and RNA is maintained intact, ready for analysis locally, but also in a format suitable for long distance national or international transportation, for example to expert reference laboratories.

Effective rapid killing has been demonstrated for bacteria and viruses, including :

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Escherichia coli
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Influenza A
• Influenza B
• Monkeypox

For Mycobacterium tuberculosis no growth could be detected from specimens treated for 1 minute, then incubated in a special broth culture system for 7 weeks. DNA was still easily detected 7 weeks after the initial treatment.

Sigma MM™ medium is supplied in ready to use tubes, and is stored at ambient temperature.