Description
The Qiagen UniCore Punch is the manual punch built for FTA work, with a stainless steel cutting edge that cores, retrieves and ejects precise discs from FTA, FTA Elute, 903 and DMPK cards. Each disposable punch delivers up to 500 punches, and the design minimizes contamination and carryover between samples when the cleaning procedure is followed.
- Five Tip Sizes – Tips run 1.00, 1.20, 2.00, 3.00 and 6.00 mm across kits of 4 and packs of 25 punches.
- Cut, Retrieve, Eject – The punch cores the disc, holds it and ejects it into the well, so discs are never handled by hand.
- 500 Punch Life – Each punch is rated for up to 500 punches, which covers long bench runs per unit.
About This UniCore Punch
Manual punching is where FTA workflows either stay clean or pick up carryover, because every disc passes through the same tool. The UniCore proprietary design uses a sharp stainless steel edge and a controlled ejection that moves the disc from card to well without contact. The manufacturer states this procedure minimizes the risk of sample carryover between cards.
Kits of four pair one tip size with cutting mats for a complete workstation, while the 25 packs restock a single size at bench scale. Tip size follows the protocol, with small tips for standard STR punches and larger tips where more template is needed. The punches are legal manufacturer products of the United Kingdom and ship at room temperature, per the product sheet.
Features and Benefits
Punching Performance
- Stainless Cutting Edge – The sharp steel edge cores clean discs from FTA and DMPK cards without tearing the matrix.
- Controlled Ejection – Discs eject into the receiving well, keeping hands off processed samples.
Contamination Control
- Carryover Design – The punch procedure is designed to minimize contamination and carryover between samples with the cleaning procedure followed.
- Disposable Format – A defined 500 punch life gives benches a clear replacement point.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Product Type: Manual sample punch for FTA cards
- Tip Sizes: 1.00, 1.20, 2.00, 3.00 and 6.00 mm
- Capacity: Up to 500 punches per punch
- Suitable Cards: Whatman FTA, FTA Elute, 903 and DMPK cards and EasiCollect devices
- Kit Contents: Kit of 4 includes 4 punchers and 2 cutting mats
Packaging
- Options: Kits of 4 punches or packs of 25 punches, one tip size each
- Storage: Ships and stores at room temperature, 15 to 25 degrees C
Browse related categories: lab consumables and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This UniCore Punch
Every FTA result starts as a punched disc, and disc quality plus carryover control decide whether the result can be trusted. The UniCore is the punch the FTA system itself is documented around, in the sizes the protocols call for.
- Cleaner Runs – Controlled coring and ejection reduce the handling steps where carryover enters a batch.
- Protocol Matched Sizes – Five tip sizes cover the disc diameters named across FTA protocols without substitutions.
- System Matched Tooling – The punch, mats and cards are one manufacturer system, a differentiator over generic biopsy punches used off label.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tip size should I order?
Tip size follows the protocol for your card and assay, with 1.2 and 2.0 mm the common FTA choices. Kits of 4 include cutting mats, while 25 packs restock one size.
How many punches does one punch deliver?
Each disposable punch provides up to 500 punches, per the manufacturer. Replace the punch at that point to keep cuts clean.
Does the punch work with EasiCollect cards?
Yes, the manufacturer lists FTA cards, FTA Elute cards and EasiCollect devices as designed uses. It also covers 903 and DMPK cards.
How is carryover controlled?
The proprietary punch design and the documented cleaning procedure minimize the risk of sample carryover between cards. Cutting on a UniCore cutting mat also keeps cuts clean and extends tip life.
What comes in a kit of 4?
The kit contains 4 punchers of one tip size and 2 cutting mats. Separate cutting mats are also available in small and large formats.
How should punches be stored?
The product ships at room temperature, 15 to 25 degrees C. On receipt, store it in a cool, dry and clean environment, per the product sheet.
