Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA Mini Card puts the FTA stabilization chemistry on a smaller two area card for programs that collect one sample with a replicate. DNA from blood, cells or tissue is captured as the sample dries and stays protected on the card at room temperature.
- Two Sample Areas – Two areas of up to 125 µL each suit a primary sample plus a replicate on one card.
- Compact Format – The smaller card files efficiently in multi-barrier pouches sized for the Mini format.
- Room Temperature Archive – Stabilized samples store at ambient temperature instead of in a freezer.
About This FTA Mini Card
The Mini format exists for collections where two areas are enough and card handling should stay compact. Its treated matrix performs the same work as the larger formats, lysing cells on contact and binding DNA while proteins and inhibitors wash away later. Blood is the primary sample, and cells and tissue are also listed by the manufacturer.
At the bench, a punch from either area is washed and carried into PCR or direct STR amplification. Because the dried card ships at ambient temperature, field and clinic collections reach the laboratory without cold packs. The two area layout also maps cleanly onto duplicate testing protocols that need a built-in backup sample.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Duplicate Ready Layout – Two matched areas let one collection cover a test and its confirmation run.
- Cell Lysis on Contact – The chemistry starts stabilizing DNA the moment the sample touches the matrix.
Laboratory Workflow
- Punch-In Processing – Washed punches feed amplification directly, skipping a separate extraction step.
- Pouch Matched Storage – The 3.75 by 3 inch multi-barrier pouch is sized for Mini and Micro formats, per the manufacturer.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA Mini, non-indicating
- Sample Areas: 2 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 Mini Card
Not every program needs four sample areas, and oversizing the card wastes archive space on every collection. The Mini format matches the card to the protocol, with a replicate area built in for duplicate workflows.
- Right Sized Collections – Two areas cover a sample and its replicate without paying for unused card capacity.
- Compact Archiving – Smaller cards in matched pouches file densely, which matters when archives hold years of collections.
- Same FTA Chemistry – The stabilization and protection chemistry is identical to the four area formats, a differentiator over generic sample papers.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What samples can be collected on the Mini card?
Blood is the primary sample, and the manufacturer also lists cells and tissue for the non-indicating formats. Colored samples show clearly on the non-indicating matrix.
How much sample does each area hold?
Each of the two sample areas accepts up to 125 µL. Most protocols apply one donor sample per area.
Why choose two areas instead of four?
Two areas fit protocols that run a sample plus a replicate or confirmation. Programs needing four separate samples use the Classic format instead.
How is DNA recovered from the card?
A punch is taken from the sample area, washed, and used in PCR or direct STR amplification. The DNA remains bound to the punch through the wash steps.
How are the cards stored after collection?
Dried cards store at room temperature for the long term. The manufacturer recommends a multi-barrier pouch with a desiccant packet for best protection.
Are these cards for diagnostic testing?
No, they are intended for molecular biology applications such as forensic and identity work. The manufacturer states they are not for diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
