Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Elute Micro Card reverses the usual FTA logic, because DNA elutes off this card into water while proteins and inhibitors stay bound to the matrix. That makes it the format for low amounts of DNA, where the eluate itself, ready for PCR, is the deliverable.
- Water Elution – DNA comes off the card in water, ready for downstream applications such as PCR.
- Four Sample Areas – Each card carries four areas of up to 40 µL for microvolume samples.
- Low Template Fit – The manufacturer lists this format for low amounts of extracted DNA, unlike the standard cards.
About This FTA Elute Micro Card
Standard FTA keeps DNA on the punch, which is efficient for amplification but limiting when a protocol needs DNA in solution. The Elute chemistry binds proteins tightly instead, so a simple water elution releases nucleic acids from the matrix. Samples of blood or saliva dry onto the four areas and store at room temperature like the rest of the family.
Eluted DNA is immediately suitable for sequencing and PCR applications such as qPCR and RT-qPCR, per the manufacturer. The manufacturer also documents elution of stored samples in about 30 minutes, with blood or saliva samples eluted in under 40 minutes. Workflows that need an eluate for several assays, rather than a single punch, are the natural home for this format.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Elution Chemistry – Proteins remain bound to the FTA Elute matrix while DNA releases into water.
- Microvolume Areas – Four areas sized at 40 µL suit small-volume blood and saliva samples.
Laboratory Workflow
- Assay-Ready Eluate – Eluted DNA feeds sequencing, qPCR, RT-qPCR and STR analysis from one collection.
- Room Temperature Storage – Samples archive on the card at ambient temperature before elution.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Elute Micro, non-indicating
- Sample Areas: 4 per card
- Maximum Volume: 40 µL per sample area
- Elution: Water based elution of nucleic acids from the card
- Long-Term Storage: Room temperature
- Intended Use: Molecular biology applications, not for diagnostic procedures
Packaging
- Options: 100 cards per pack
- Storage: Store at room temperature
Browse related categories: blood collection supplies and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This Elute Micro Card
Some protocols cannot run from a punch, because they need DNA in solution to split across assays or archive as an eluate. The Elute Micro is the only format in this family designed to hand the DNA back, which changes what the collection can feed.
- One Collection, Many Assays – An eluate can be divided across qPCR, sequencing and STR runs instead of consuming the card area by area.
- Better Low Template Recovery – Elution concentrates the available DNA into solution, which helps when starting material is scarce.
- Elution by Design – The chemistry is engineered to release DNA rather than retain it, a differentiator no standard FTA format offers.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this card different from standard FTA cards?
Standard FTA holds DNA on the punch during washing, while this format releases DNA into water. Proteins and inhibitors stay bound to the Elute matrix instead.
What is the eluted DNA used for?
The manufacturer lists sequencing and PCR applications such as qPCR and RT-qPCR, plus subsequent STR analysis. The eluate is ready to use immediately after elution.
How much sample fits on one card?
Four sample areas each accept up to 40 µL. The smaller area suits microvolume blood and saliva collections.
How long does elution take?
The manufacturer describes elution of stored purified DNA in about 30 minutes. Blood or saliva samples elute in under 40 minutes.
Why is the 25 card pack not listed?
Only the 100 card pack is offered here, so high-volume elution workflows stay supplied. Smaller programs can still order a single pack and store cards at room temperature.
Is this card for diagnostic use?
No, the manufacturer limits these cards to molecular biology applications. The manufacturer states it is not for diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
