Description
The Qiagen Sterile Foam Applicators collect buccal cells and saliva on a non-abrasive foam head that is the same size as the sample area on QIAcard FTA cards. That sizing makes transfer to the card a single even press, which is how field and clinic collections get uniform FTA samples.
- Area Matched Head – The foam head matches the FTA sample area, so coverage is complete in one application.
- Non-Abrasive Foam – The soft head collects buccal cells without scraping, which donors tolerate better.
- Sterile Collection – Applicators are sterile for reference grade sample collection.
About This Sterile Foam Applicators
Transfer quality decides FTA sample quality, and a swab head that does not match the card area leaves edges dry and centers overloaded. These applicators were sized against the card itself, so one press covers the sample area evenly. The foam collects buccal cells and saliva for DNA typing applications, per the manufacturer.
Collectors use them anywhere buccal samples move onto FTA cards, including the indicating formats where coverage shows as a color change. Even coverage also means even drying, which protects the sample during storage. The format pairs naturally with the card and pouch program sold alongside it.
Features and Benefits
Collection
- Matched Geometry – Head size equals the FTA sample area for full coverage in a single application.
- Gentle on Donors – Non-abrasive foam collects cells without the scraping feel of fiber swabs.
Laboratory Workflow
- Even Samples – Uniform transfer gives uniform punches, which stabilizes downstream yields.
- Card Program Fit – The applicators are the transfer tool the FTA card line is documented around.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Product Type: Sterile foam tipped applicator for buccal collection
- Head: Foam, sized to the QIAcard FTA sample area
- Sterility: Sterile
- Sample Types: Buccal cells and saliva
- Intended Use: Molecular biology applications in forensic, human identity, biosecurity and paternity testing
Packaging
- Options: 100 applicators per pack
- Storage: Store at room temperature
Browse related categories: swabs and media and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This Foam Applicators
An FTA sample is only as good as its transfer, and transfer is a geometry problem before it is a technique problem. A head built to the exact size of the sample area solves the geometry for every collector on the program.
- Complete Coverage – One press covers the whole area, so no sample zones are missed at the edges.
- Donor Comfort – Non-abrasive foam keeps cooperative donors cooperative across large collection days.
- Sized to the Card – The area matched head is a differentiator over generic foam swabs that only approximate the format.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the head sized to the sample area?
A head the same size as the FTA sample area transfers the sample across the full area in one application. That gives even coverage for punching later.
What samples are collected?
Buccal cells and saliva, for transfer to QIAcard FTA card formats for DNA typing. The foam is non-abrasive for donor comfort.
Are the applicators sterile?
Yes, the applicators are sterile. That supports reference grade collection programs.
How do they differ from OmniSwab swabs?
OmniSwab heads eject into extraction vessels for direct extraction. Foam applicators are the transfer tool for applying samples onto FTA cards.
How many come in a pack?
Each pack contains 100 applicators. That matches the 100 card pack sizes in the FTA line.
Are they for diagnostic use?
No, they are intended for molecular biology applications in forensic, human identity, biosecurity and paternity testing. They are not for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
