The present application relates to systems and methods for transporting biological samples, including a transport medium configured to protect bacterial viability and optimize sample quality, for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The disclosed systems and methods can include a transport media, a collection tube including a screen and sampling brush, and a transport case. The disclosed systems and methods allow samples to be frozen and thawed while preserving cellular wall integrity during transport or storage, and furthermore can preserve the survival of the bacterial sample, enabling more accurate detection of an infectious agent.