The Impact of Universal Transport Media and Viral Transport Media Liquid Samples on a SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test

Abstract The impact of universal transport media (UTM) and viral transport media (VTM) liquid samples on the performance of the Healgen Scientific Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test was investigated. Twelve different UTM/VTM liquid samples were added at different dilutions to the extraction buffer, and 2 of 12 generated false-positive results. To understand the cause of these false-positive results, the effect of extraction buffer dilution on sample pH, surfactant concentration, and ionic strength were investigated. The most important factor in UTM/VTM liquid sample dilution of the extraction buffer was ionic strength as measured by conductivity. Dilutions with conductivity below ～17 mS/cm can induce a false-positive result. It was also noted that the ionic strength of UTM/VTMs can vary, and those with low ionic strength can be problematic. To rule out the effect of other common components found in UTMs/VTMs, several materials were mixed with extraction buffer and tested at high concentrations. None was shown to produce false-positive results.