Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Elute Indicating Micro Card combines water based DNA elution with an indicating dye, so clear samples are visible on the card and recoverable into solution. It is the format the manufacturer documents for saliva collection where the eluate, not the punch, drives the downstream work.
- Visible Sample Location – The pink to white dye change marks clear samples such as saliva on the card.
- Water Elution – DNA releases into water ready for PCR, while proteins stay bound to the matrix.
- Four Micro Areas – Four areas of up to 40 µL each suit small-volume clear samples.
About This FTA Elute Indicating Micro Card
Saliva and buccal collections are clear, low-volume and often low in DNA, which is the hardest combination for a plain card. The indicating dye confirms where the sample landed, and the Elute chemistry then gives the DNA back in water instead of holding it on a punch. The manufacturer documents this format as a collection device for SARS-CoV-2 saliva samples, citing high RNA recovery and RNA stability for 7 days at 20 and 30 degrees.
Eluted nucleic acids are immediately suitable for sequencing and PCR applications such as qPCR and RT-qPCR. Cards store at room temperature before elution, so collection programs keep ambient logistics. Studies teams choose this format when one saliva collection must feed several molecular assays.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Color Change Confirmation – The dye turns white under clear samples, confirming placement before storage.
- Elution Chemistry – DNA elutes into water while proteins and PCR inhibitors such as hemoglobin remain on the matrix.
Laboratory Workflow
- Assay-Ready Eluate – One elution supplies multiple downstream assays from a single collection.
- Documented Saliva Use – Manufacturer application material covers saliva collection with this format in detail.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Elute Indicating Micro
- Sample Areas: 4 per card
- Maximum Volume: 40 µL per sample area
- Indicating Dye: Yes, pink to white on sample application
- Elution: Water based elution of nucleic acids
- 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 Elute Indicating Micro Card
Clear, low-volume samples punish formats that hide placement and lock DNA onto a punch. This card answers both problems at once, showing the sample and then releasing it into solution for the assays that follow.
- Verified Placement – The dye change proves a clear sample was applied and shows where it concentrated.
- More Assays per Collection – An eluate divides across PCR, sequencing and STR work instead of being consumed punch by punch.
- Elution Plus Indication – No other format in the family combines water elution with an indicating dye, a clear differentiator for saliva programs.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Which samples suit this card?
Saliva and buccal samples are the primary fit, because they are clear and often low volume. The manufacturer documents saliva collection with this format, including viral RNA work.
How is DNA recovered?
DNA is eluted from the card into water, leaving proteins and inhibitors bound to the matrix. The eluate is immediately suitable for PCR applications such as qPCR and RT-qPCR.
How much sample fits per card?
Four areas each accept up to 40 µL. Apply one sample per area to keep collections separate.
Does the dye affect the sample?
The dye is an indicator that changes color on sample application, as on the other indicating formats. It marks location without changing the elution chemistry.
How are cards stored before elution?
Dried cards store at room temperature. The manufacturer cites RNA stability on the card for 7 days at 20 and 30 degrees in its saliva application material.
Is this a diagnostic product?
No, molecular biology is the stated intended use for this card. The manufacturer states it is not for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
