What is the purpose of transport medium used in the shipment of microbiology specimens?

Transport mediums are specifically designed to sustain bacterial growth during the shipping of microbiology specimens. This is crucial because it helps to maintain the viability of the microorganisms present in the specimen until it reaches the laboratory for analysis. The medium provides the necessary nutrients and environment to ensure that the bacteria can survive the transit period, which may be several hours or even days.

Unlike mere preservation methods that inhibit or prevent growth, transport mediums ensure that bacteria are alive but not proliferative, allowing accurate identification and analysis once the specimen is processed. By sustaining the bacteria's viability, transport mediums help maintain the integrity of the sample, which is essential for obtaining valid diagnostic results.