CDC LOCS Lab Alert: Molecular Transport Media (MTM) and Cyanide Gas

PrimeStore MTM transport media contains guanidine thiocyanate, which produces a dangerous chemical reaction that releases cyanide gas when exposed to bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Do not use PrimeStore MTM with platforms that include a disinfecting step that uses bleach (e.g., Hologic Panther, Panther Fusion Systems).

Other MTM may contain guanidine thiocyanate, and ingredients in MTM may not be listed on individual vials. If samples are received in unfamiliar transport media, laboratories should make sure the media does not contain guanidine thiocyanate before processing the samples in a system that uses bleach.

This Lab Advisory was originally published by the CDC Laboratory Outreach Communication System (LOCS) here. Check out the CDC LOCS website and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information for Laboratories website for the latest information.