Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Classic Card collects and stabilizes DNA from blood, cells and tissue on a chemically treated matrix that lyses cells on contact. Samples dry onto the card and stay protected at room temperature for long term archiving, so freezers and dry ice shipments drop out of the workflow.
- Four Sample Areas – Each card holds four separate samples of up to 125 µL, for 500 µL total per card.
- Room Temperature Archive – Captured DNA stays stable on the card for years at room temperature, per the manufacturer.
- Direct STR Workflow – A washed punch goes straight into amplification, which shortens the path from sample to profile.
About This FTA Classic Card
Colored biological samples such as blood are exactly what the non-indicating Classic format is built for. The treated matrix denatures proteins and shields nucleic acids from nucleases, oxidative damage and UV damage while the sample dries. Once dry, the card can travel at ambient temperature and file into ordinary archive storage instead of a freezer.
In the laboratory, a small disc is punched from a sample area and washed with purification reagent and TE buffer. The DNA stays bound to the punch through the wash and is ready for PCR, SNP analysis, real-time PCR or direct STR amplification. That punch-in routine is why forensic, paternity and human identity laboratories standardize on this format for reference samples.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Cell Lysis on Contact – The FTA chemistry breaks cells open as the sample is applied, which starts stabilization immediately.
- Inhibitor Removal – Proteins and inhibitors wash away from the matrix while DNA remains tightly bound.
Laboratory Workflow
- Semi-Automated Ready – The format works with semi-automated punching platforms such as the BSD600, per the manufacturer.
- Broad Sample Range – Blood, plasmid, cells, tissue and plant material are all listed sample types for the FTA family.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Classic, non-indicating
- Sample Areas: 4 per card
- Maximum Volume: 125 µL per sample area, 500 µL per card
- Indicating Dye: None
- Long-Term Storage: Room temperature
- Intended Use: Molecular biology applications, not for diagnostic procedures
Packaging
- Options: 100 cards or 25 cards per pack
- Storage: Store at room temperature
Browse related categories: blood collection supplies and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This FTA Classic Card
Reference laboratories process thousands of blood samples, and each one that needs a freezer slot or a dry ice shipment adds cost and failure points. This format removes both, because the sample stabilizes on the card at collection and archives on a shelf.
- Lower Archive Cost – Shelf storage replaces freezer capacity for long term sample retention, an outcome that compounds across large collections.
- Fewer Failed Shipments – Ambient transport removes thaw risk when samples move between collection sites and the laboratory.
- The Proven FTA Standard – FTA is the collection format behind decades of forensic and identity testing, a differentiator backed by more than 200 publications cited by the manufacturer.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What samples can be collected on this card?
Blood, cells and tissue are the primary sample types for the non-indicating Classic format. The manufacturer also lists plasmid and plant samples across the FTA family.
How much sample does each card hold?
Each of the four sample areas accepts up to 125 µL, giving 500 µL per card. Smaller volumes are fine when the area is covered evenly.
How is DNA recovered for testing?
A small punch from the sample area is washed with FTA purification reagent and TE buffer. The washed punch can go directly into PCR or STR amplification with the DNA still bound to the matrix.
Does the sample need refrigeration?
No, DNA captured on the card is stable at room temperature for long term storage. The manufacturer recommends storing the dried card in a multi-barrier pouch with a desiccant packet.
Is this card indicating or non-indicating?
This is the non-indicating format, intended for colored samples such as blood. Clear samples such as saliva are easier to locate on the indicating version of the card.
Can the card be used for diagnosis?
No, the manufacturer states these cards are for molecular biology applications. They are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
