The NEST Disposable Sampler (Viral Transport Medium) is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens to the laboratory for standard diagnostic or identification techniques. The Viral Transport Medium can be used in the laboratory to perform culture, isolation and detection of upper respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Device Story
Device consists of preservation tubes containing Viral Transport Media (VTM), optionally kitted with flocked nylon fiber swabs on ABS rods. Used for collection/transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens to laboratories. Operates by stabilizing viral samples in a chemical solution (salts, buffers, antibiotics, antifungal agents, BSA) to maintain viability for culture/isolation. Used in clinical settings by healthcare providers; samples processed in laboratories using standard diagnostic techniques. Benefits patient by ensuring sample integrity during transport, enabling accurate viral detection.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Viral recovery studies performed using three lots of preservation solution spiked with Influenza A (H1N1), Rhinovirus Type 16, and RSV Type A. Samples stored at 23-25°C and 2-8°C for 0, 24, and 48 hours. Viability measured via plaque assay on host cell lines. Results demonstrate successful viral stabilization over 48 hours, meeting performance specifications.
Indicated for collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens from patients suspected of viral infection to a laboratory for culture, isolation, and detection of Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and RSV.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A transport culture medium is a device that consists of a semisolid, usually non-nutrient, medium that maintains the viability of suspected pathogens contained in patient specimens while in transit from the specimen collection area to the laboratory. The device aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms and also provides epidemiological information on these diseases.
Predicate Devices
Copan Universal Transport Medium (utm-rt) System (K042970)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
FDA
U.S. FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
K211256
B Applicant
Wuxi Nest Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
C Proprietary and Established Names
Disposable Sampler Viral Transport Media
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| JSM | Class I, reserved | 21 CFR 866.2390 - Transport Culture Medium | MI - Microbiology |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
To obtain substantial equivalence determination for the NEST Disposable Sampler (Viral Transport Media) device for the collection, transport, and storage of viral specimens for laboratory culture and downstream testing.
B Measurand:
Not Applicable
C Type of Test:
Non-propagating Transport Device with culture medium.
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
A Intended Use(s):
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
{1}
See Indications for Use below.
## B Indication(s) for Use:
The NEST Disposable Sampler (Viral Transport Medium) is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens to the laboratory for standard diagnostic or identification techniques. The Viral Transport Medium can be used in the laboratory to perform culture, isolation and detection of upper respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
## C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
## D Special Instrument Requirements:
None.
## IV Device/System Characteristics:
### A Device Description:
The Viral Transport Media is composed of media tube filled with VTM (Viral Transport Media), with or without swabs, depending on the kit configuration.
The Viral Transport Media is composed of Sodium chloride, Disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate, Potassium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, glucose, HEPES, Sodium bicarbonate, Fluconazole, Gentamicin sulfate, Griseofulvin, Polymyxin sulfate, Sodium hydroxide, Calcium chloride, BSA, L-cysteine, and with or without Phenol red.
The preservation tube is made of medical-grade polypropylene materials. The pre filled VTM tubes are provided as 5 mL tubes filled with 2.5 mL VTM or 10 mL tubes filled with 3 mL VTM.
Both the 5mL and the 10mL size tubes filled with the volumes noted above are sold alone, kitted with either an oropharyngeal (OP) swab, a nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs or kitted with both OP and NP swabs. The OP and NP swabs are flocked nylon fiber with the swab shaft made of ABS (acrylonitrile butandiene styrene).
### B Principle of Operation:
The Viral Transport Media consists of a universal transport medium that can sustain the viability of clinically important viruses. The media is intended to be used by trained health care professionals. The VTM contains proteins for stabilization, antibiotics to minimize bacterial and fungal growth, a buffer to maintain a neutral pH and a pH indicator (phenol red) which is optional.
### V Substantial Equivalence Information:
K211256 - Page 2 of 8
{2}
A Predicate Device Name(s):
Copan Universal Transport Medium (utm-rt) System
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s):
K042970
C Comparison with Predicate(s):
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | Device: K211256 | Predicate: K042970 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | NEST Disposable Sampler Viral Transport Media | Copan universal transport medium (UTM-RT) system |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | The NEST Disposable Sampler (Viral Transport Medium) is intended for the collection and transport of upper respiratory clinical specimens to the laboratory for standard diagnostic or identification techniques. The Viral Transport Medium can be used in the laboratory to perform culture, isolation and detection of upper respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). | Copan Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT) System is intended for the collection and transport of clinical specimens containing viruses, chlamydiae, mycoplasma or ureaplasma from the collection site to the testing laboratory. UTM-RT can be processed using standard clinical laboratory operating procedures for viral, chlamydial, mycoplasma and ureaplasma culture. |
| Device Product Code and Classification | JSM, Class I | JSM, Class I |
| Shelf Life | 12 months | 12 months |
| pH | pH 7.3 ± 0.2 at 25°C | pH 7.3 ± 0.2 at 25°C |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Media formulation | HANK's Balanced Salts Solution, HEPES, Sodium bicarbonate, Fluconazole, | HANK's Balanced Salts, BSA, L-cysteine, gelatin, sucrose, L-glutamic acid, HEPES |
| | fluconazole, L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, HEPES, and L-glutamic acid, | |
K211256 - Page 3 of 8
{3}
K211256 - Page 4 of 8
| | Gentamicin sulfate, Griseofulvin, Polymyxin sulfate, Phenol red, Sodium hydroxide, glucose, BSA and L-cysteine. | buffer, vancomycin, amphotericin B, colistin, phenol red |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vial Specification | 5 mL vial: 2.5 mL VTM
10 mL vial: 3.0 mL VTM | 1 mL UTM in 12x80 mm tube
3 mL UTM in 16x100 mm tube
10 mL UTM in 25x90 mm tube |
| Supported claims to perform culture, isolation and detection of: | Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | chlamydiae, mycoplasma or ureaplasma and viruses |
| pH indicator | Optional | None |
VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
1. ISO 10993-5(2009) Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytotoxicity.
2. ISO 10993-10 (2010) Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Tests for irritation and skin sensitization.
VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
A Analytical Performance:
1. Precision/Reproducibility:
Not Applicable
2. Linearity:
Not Applicable
3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
Not Applicable
4. Assay Reportable Range:
Not Applicable
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
{4}
Shelf-life: The shelf-life of the Viral Transport Media was determined in real-time to be 12 months when stored at 2-8°C and 25 ± 3°C. To assess the integrity of the kit, the following properties of the kit were assessed, at 5 replicates per timepoint, and had the following results. Three lots were assessed for the following categories:
a. The media was assessed for appearance. The Viral Transport Media remained a clear red color when assessed at 2-8°C and 25 ± 3°C at various time intervals out to 12 months.
b. pH was assessed using a pH meter to demonstrate that the Viral Transport Media maintain a pH between 7.3-7.5 when assessed at 2-8°C and 25 ± 3°C for 12 months.
c. Sterility was assessed by plating 100 μL of Viral Transport Media stored at 2-8°C and 25 ± 3°C at various time intervals out to 12 months, on PCA plates. The media showed no microbial growth at any of the time points tested.
d. The integrity of the antimicrobial components in the medium was assessed via a bacterial growth inhibition (bacteriostasis) study. The study demonstrated that media was bacteriostatic when the media was stored at 2-8°C and 25 ± 3°C for 12 months. The following organisms E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger, were assessed and culture growth was determined to be inhibited through its claimed shelf life.
Sterilization:
The Viral Transport Media tube with media are not sold as sterile nor are they intended to be sterilized by the user. These vials are single use devices that do not require cleaning by the operator.
Swabs are sterilized in the final packaging using Irradiation Sterilization. Irradiation sterilization was performed using ISO 11137-1: 2015 and ISO 11137-2: 2016. A bioburden study was conducted, and it was determined that a 14.8 kGy dose of electron beam irradiation was required to reach a sterility assurance level of 10⁻⁶.
6. Detection Limit:
Viral Recovery:
Culture-Based Viral Recovery Studies: Performance of the Viral Transport Media was evaluated for virus viability at different incubation times, temperatures, and 3 lots of media.
Viability Assay Layout. Strains of Respiratory syncytial virus Type A (RSV-A), Influenza A (A/PR/8/34 H1N1) virus, and Rhinovirus Type 16 (HRV-16) were used for media validation. Each virus was first mixed with nasopharyngeal matrix, transferred with the collection swab and then added to the Viral Transport Media to yield a final concentration of 10⁵ TCID₅₀/mL. The mixtures were then incubated at 4°C and 25°C in triplicates. Aliquots of each replicate were recovered at 0, 24, or 48 hours and serially diluted. A 100 μL volume of each dilution was then inoculated in duplicate into the susceptible host cell line. Host cells (HEp-2 for RSV-A, MDCK for H1N1, and HeLa for HRV-16) were plated at a suitable density in microwell plates for 2-3 days prior to evaluation. The following controls were run: a viability control containing no virus to ensure mammalian cell integrity and absence of contamination; a virus control containing virus stock to ensure infectivity of virus; a cytotoxicity control containing VTM only to observe any cytotoxic effects from the VTM on the mammalian cells; and a recovery control containing virus in culture medium stored and tested under the same conditions as the test samples. Host cells and
K211256 - Page 5 of 8
{5}
diluted virus were incubated for 2-3 days, followed by fixation of the cells with Formalin for 1 hour and finally staining with methylene blue for 15 minutes. Viability was determined by assessing for plaque formation in triplicate for each time point tested. Tables 1, 2, and 3 show the mean PFU/mL values for each virus tested at time 0 and different times and temperatures for viral recovery. The data supported the claim for storage times of 24 hours and 48 hours and temperatures of $4^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ and $25^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ .
Table 1: Viral recovery for Influenza A at various incubation times and tempearatures.
| Test Virus | Test samples (lot #) | Test conditions | Mean Virus Titer (x104PFU/mL) | Percent decrease (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Influenza A (A/PR/8/34 H1N1) | 080921ES1 | 0h | 83.4 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 70.5 | 15.47 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 61.3 | 26.50 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 66.4 | 20.38 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 44.7 | 46.40 |
| | | | | |
| | 040121PS | 0h | 79.2 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 71.8 | 9.34 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 63.7 | 19.57 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 66.9 | 15.53 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 44.4 | 43.94 |
| | | | | |
| | 101020E01 | 0h | 92.3 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 79.1 | 14.30 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 73.5 | 20.37 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 74.3 | 19.50 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 60.2 | 34.78 |
| | | | | |
Table 2: Viral recovery for Rhinovirus Type 16 at various incubation times and tempearatures.
| Test Virus | Test samples (lot #) | Test conditions | Mean Virus Titer (x104PFU/mL) | Percent decrease (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rhinovirus Type 16 (HRV-16) | 080921ES1 | 0h | 231.7 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 213.8 | 7.73 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 204.5 | 11.74 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 168.5 | 27.28 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 124.7 | 46.18 |
K211256 - Page 6 of 8
{6}
Table 3: Viral recovery for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Type A at various incubation times and temperatures.
| Test Virus | Test samples (lot #) | Test conditions | Mean Virus Titer (x104PFU/mL) | Percent decrease (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus Type A (RSV-A) | 080921ES1 | 0h | 26.8 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 22.0 | 17.91 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 20.0 | 25.37 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 23.2 | 13.43 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 21.0 | 21.64 |
| | | | | |
| | 040121PS | 0h | 31.0 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 24.0 | 22.58 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 21.2 | 31.61 |
| | | | | |
| | | 25°C, 24h | 24.8 | 20.00 |
| | | 25°C, 48h | 16.2 | 47.74 |
| | | | | |
| | 101020E01 | 0h | 33.5 | - |
| | | 4°C, 24h | 26.3 | 21.49 |
| | | 4°C, 48h | 25.7 | 23.28 |
| | | | | |
| 25°C, 24h | | 23.8 | 28.96 | |
| 25°C, 48h | | 26.7 | 20.30 | |
Results of Viability Assay. The Viral Transport Media demonstrated virus viability of Flu A (H1N1), RSV, Rhinovirus for all replicates in all lots, incubation times, and storage
K211256 - Page 7 of 8
{7}
temperatures. The studies demonstrate that the VTM maintains the viability of all viruses tested for 48 hours at refrigerated (4°C) and room temperature (25°C).
7. Assay Cut-Off:
Not Applicable
## B Comparison Studies:
1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
Not Applicable
2. Matrix Comparison:
Not Applicable
## C Clinical Studies:
1. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not Applicable
2. Clinical Specificity:
Not Applicable
3. Other Clinical Supportive Data (When 1. and 2. Are Not Applicable):
Not Applicable
## D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not Applicable
## E Expected Values/Reference Range:
Not Applicable
## VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
## IX Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
K211256 - Page 8 of 8
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.