Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Indicating Mini Card pairs the compact two area Mini format with a pink indicating dye that turns white under clear samples. Collectors see the buccal or saliva sample land, and the laboratory sees exactly where to punch when the card arrives.
- Visible Sample Location – The dye change marks clear samples that would be invisible on a plain card.
- Two Sample Areas – Two areas of up to 125 µL each fit a sample plus replicate layout.
- Room Temperature Archive – Captured DNA remains stable on the dried card at room temperature.
About This Indicating FTA Mini Card
Buccal reference collection often happens in clinics, stations and field sites where nobody can re-collect a failed sample easily. The indicating dye gives immediate feedback that a clear sample was applied and where it spread. The FTA chemistry underneath lyses cells on contact and protects DNA from nucleases, oxidation and UV damage during storage.
In the laboratory, staff punch from the white zone, wash the punch, and move into direct STR amplification. Cards travel and archive at ambient temperature, which keeps multi-site programs simple. The Mini footprint keeps per-donor materials compact when a program collects at volume.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Color Change Confirmation – Pink turns to white on contact with colorless samples, confirming placement at collection time.
- Non-Abrasive Collection Fit – Foam applicators sized to the sample area pair with this format for even buccal transfer.
Laboratory Workflow
- Confident Punching – The white zone removes guesswork, so punches land on sample instead of blank card.
- Ambient Shipping – Dried cards move between sites without cold packs or dry ice.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Indicating Mini
- Sample Areas: 2 per card
- Maximum Volume: 125 µL per sample area
- Indicating Dye: Yes, pink to white on sample application
- 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 Indicating Mini Card
Clear samples on small cards are the easiest collections to lose track of, and a two area card leaves no spare area for a second attempt. The indicating Mini makes the first application visible, so the sample that ships is the sample that was collected.
- Fewer Failed Collections – Immediate visual confirmation catches missed applications while the donor is still present.
- Compact Program Materials – The Mini format keeps kits small for clinics and field teams collecting at volume.
- Indicator Plus Stabilization – The dye is paired with FTA stabilization chemistry rather than plain paper, a differentiator for long term archives.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the color change show?
The pink dye turns white where a clear sample such as saliva or buccal cells is applied. That marks the exact zone to punch for analysis.
Which samples suit this card?
Buccal cells and saliva are the primary samples for the indicating formats. Colored samples such as blood are typically collected on non-indicating cards.
How much sample fits per area?
Each of the two areas accepts up to 125 µL. Apply one donor sample per area to keep records clean.
How is the sample processed later?
A punch from the white zone is washed and used for direct STR amplification or extraction. Manufacturer protocols cover both routes.
How should cards be stored?
Store dried cards at room temperature in a multi-barrier pouch with desiccant. DNA remains stable on the card for long term archiving.
Is this a diagnostic product?
No, the manufacturer intends these cards for molecular biology applications. They are not for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
