QIAcard FTA Elute Formats

• Room temperature, shipment and preservation of nucleic acids from biological samples
• Subsequent release and elution of nucleic acids from biological samples
• Tailored Buffer chemistry (QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer) for maximal nucleic acid recovery available
• Eluted DNA can be used for sequencing and real-time PCR applications

QIAcard FTA Elute formats allow for compact sample preservation and transport at room temperature. The FTA Elute cards contain a chaotropic salt to lyse cells on contact, denature proteins and protect DNA from degradation. Proteins remain tightly bound while DNA is eluted from the matrix. Low PCR inhibitor concentration enables the detection of pathogens or GMPs. Indicating FTA card format includes a purple dye that turns white when a colorless sample, e.g., buccal cells or saliva, is applied

There are two different card formats available for both QIAcard FTA Elute formats (see "Card specifications")

Applied sample material (such as blood, buccal cells, tissue, cultured cells, microorganisms or plant tissue) is lyzed upon contact with QIAcard FTA Elute formats. QIAcard FTA Elute formats are suitable for room temperature (15–25°C) shipment and preservation. The cards are designed for subsequent elution of released and nucleic acids from the card matrix using the QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer. The QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer simplifies the elution protocol, protects the nucleic acids from degradation and is designed for combined treatment with Proteinase K to improve the efficiency of lysis and elution.

Sample material is applied to the printed circle area on an appropriate QIAcard FTA Elute formats card. When completely dried, the cards can be stored in a dry environment until ready to use. Punches from QIAcard FTA Elute formats are placed in a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube and washed with TE⁻⁴ buffer. The QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer procedure, with tailored protocols for purified nucleic acids or cells and biological fluids, is shown in the flowchart "QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer procedure".

The combination of QIAcard FTA Elute formats for easy sample collection, room temperature preservation and the use of QIAcard FTA Elute Buffer enables efficient nucleic acid elution for downstream applications such as:

• Rapid DNA isolation
• Biobanking
• Genotyping real-time PCR, STR analysis
• Transgenics/Genetic identification
• Pharmacogenomics
• Expression profiling using RT-qPCR (RNA)