BD 220117 - BD CultureSwab Plus Amies Gel without Charcoal, Double Swab, 50/pk (Temp Sensitive; Non-Returnable) (Continental US Only)

BD 220117 - BD CultureSwab Plus Amies Gel without Charcoal, Double Swab, 50/pk (Temp Sensitive; Non-Returnable) (Continental US Only)

The BD 220117 Specimen Collection and Transport System BBL CultureSwab Plus with Amies Medium is designed to support reliable collection, preservation, and transport of clinical specimens for microbiological analysis. This system includes a sterile 5.25-inch swab paired with Amies transport medium, helping maintain organism viability from the point of collection to laboratory processing.

Engineered for consistency and ease of use, the CultureSwab Plus system minimizes sample degradation and contamination risks, supporting accurate diagnostic outcomes. Its ready-to-use configuration streamlines workflows in both clinical and laboratory environments.

Key Benefits

This system helps preserve a wide range of aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms during transport, reducing the likelihood of false-negative results. The Amies medium stabilizes specimens without promoting overgrowth, supporting dependable culture recovery.

The sterile, single-use swab supports infection control standards, while the integrated transport tube enhances biosafety during handling and transit. The extended 5.25-inch swab length allows comfortable access to common collection sites with improved reach and control.

Compatibility and Applications

The BD 220117 BBL CultureSwab Plus is compatible with standard microbiology laboratory culture workflows and routine diagnostic protocols.

It is widely used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, urgent care centers, and diagnostic laboratories. Typical applications include collection of throat, wound, skin, nasal, and other surface specimens where preservation of organism viability is essential for culture-based testing.

Usage Guidelines

Specimens should be collected using aseptic technique according to institutional protocols. After collection, the swab is placed into the transport tube containing Amies medium and securely closed to allow safe transport.

Samples should be delivered to the laboratory within recommended timeframes and stored according to laboratory guidelines to maintain specimen integrity. Additional handling guidance can be referenced through BD product documentation or internal laboratory procedures.

Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

BD BBL CultureSwab Plus systems are manufactured under stringent quality management systems to ensure sterility, consistency, and reliable performance.

The BD 220117 system complies with FDA requirements for in vitro diagnostic specimen collection devices and aligns with recognized clinical microbiology standards, reinforcing its suitability for regulated healthcare and laboratory environments.

Comparison with Competitor Products

Compared with dry swabs or non-buffered transport systems, the CultureSwab Plus with Amies medium offers improved organism preservation and more consistent recovery. While some alternative systems provide basic transport capability, BDs formulation stability and standardized design help reduce variability and improve diagnostic confidence.

Clinical laboratories often select BD CultureSwab systems for their proven reliability, ease of use, and compatibility with established culture methods.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is commonly used by nurses, physicians, medical assistants, and laboratory technicians responsible for specimen collection and diagnostic testing.

It is particularly effective in primary care, emergency, and outpatient settings where timely and accurate microbiological diagnosis is critical for patient management.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

To ensure optimal results, specimens should be collected from the appropriate anatomical site using correct technique and transported promptly. Proper sealing of the transport tube helps prevent leakage and contamination.

Swabs should be stored according to manufacturer recommendations and used before the expiration date to ensure media effectiveness and specimen reliability.

Regulatory and Safety Information

Use of the BD 220117 BBL CultureSwab Plus Specimen Collection and Transport System supports compliance with FDA in vitro diagnostic regulations and institutional biosafety standards. All specimens and used materials should be handled and disposed of according to local, state, and federal biohazard regulations.

How to Order

To order the BD 220117 Specimen Collection and Transport System BBL CultureSwab Plus with Amies Medium, add the product to your cart and complete the checkout process on the CIA Medical website.

For bulk orders, standing laboratory supply programs, or additional assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page.