Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Micro Card dedicates its single sample area to one collection, which keeps one donor, one card and one archive record aligned. Blood, cells or tissue dry onto the treated matrix and the captured DNA stays protected at room temperature.
- One Sample Per Card – A single 125 µL area removes any chance of mixing samples across areas.
- Compact Archiving – The small format files densely in pouches sized for Micro cards.
- Room Temperature Archive – Stabilized DNA stores on shelving instead of in freezer space.
About This FTA Micro Card
Single-sample cards simplify chain of custody, because the card itself becomes the record for one collection. The FTA matrix lyses cells on contact, denatures proteins and holds DNA tightly while inhibitors wash away during processing. The manufacturer positions the Micro format for colored samples such as blood, cells and tissue.
Processing follows the standard punch workflow, with a washed disc feeding PCR or direct STR amplification. One area also means the full 125 µL capacity serves a single sample, useful when volume matters more than replicates. Programs building large reference archives value the small footprint per donor.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Dedicated Capacity – The full sample area serves one collection, so volume is never split across areas.
- Cell Lysis on Contact – Stabilization starts as the sample is applied, before the card even dries.
Laboratory Workflow
- Simple Custody Trail – One card per sample keeps labeling, pouching and filing unambiguous.
- Punch-In Processing – Washed punches move straight into amplification with DNA bound to the matrix.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Micro, non-indicating
- Sample Areas: 1 per card
- Maximum Volume: 125 µL per sample area
- 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 Micro Card
Multi-area cards ask staff to track which area holds which sample, and that bookkeeping is where reference archives pick up errors. A one area card deletes the question entirely while keeping the same stabilization chemistry.
- Cleaner Chain of Custody – One sample per card removes area tracking mistakes across thousands of collections.
- Dense Archives – The compact card and matched pouch store more donors per shelf than larger formats.
- Full FTA Protection – Single area does not mean reduced chemistry, because the matrix carries the complete FTA treatment, a differentiator over untreated single-sample papers.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How many samples fit on this card?
One sample, on a single area that accepts up to 125 µL. The format is chosen when one donor maps to one card.
What samples can be collected?
Blood, cells and tissue are the listed sample types for the non-indicating Micro format. Clear samples are easier to track on the indicating version.
How is DNA recovered?
A punch from the sample area is washed with purification reagent and buffer. The washed punch supports PCR and direct STR amplification.
How are cards stored?
Dried cards store at room temperature for the long term. A multi-barrier pouch with a desiccant packet gives the best protection during storage and transport.
Does the card work with semi-automated punching?
Yes, the manufacturer lists semi-automated processing for the Micro format. Fully automated processing is listed for the framed Gene format instead.
Can the card be used clinically?
No, it is intended for molecular biology applications. The manufacturer states it is not for diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
