FTA Cards utilize patented Whatman FTA technology that simplifies the handling and processing of nucleic acids.

 

FTA Cards contain chemicals that lyse cells, denature proteins and protect nucleic acids from nucleases, oxidative, and UV damage. US Patent Nos. 5496562, 5756126, 5807527, 5972386, 5985327 and other patents pending.

Advantages and benefits

• Capture nucleic acid in one easy step
• Captured nucleic acid is ready for downstream applications in less than 30 minutes
• DNA collected on FTA Cards is preserved for years at room temperature
• FTA Cards are stored at room temperature before and after sample application, reducing the need for laboratory freezers
• Suitable for virtually any cell type
• Indicating FTA Cards change color upon sample application to facilitate handling of colorless samples
• FTA Cards are available in a variety of configurations to meet application requirements
• Custom configurations are available on request

Use FTA for a wide range of applications:

• Forensics
• Transgenic identification
• Transfusion medicine
• Plasmid screening
• Food and agriculture testing
• Drug discovery
• Genomics
• STR analysis
• Animal identification
• Whole genome amplification
• Molecular biology

Capture nucleic acids in one easy step
Simply apply your sample to the FTA Card. Cell membranes and organelles are lysed and the released nucleic acids are entrapped in the fibers of the matrix. The nucleic acids remain immobilized and are preserved for transport, immediate processing or long-term room temperature storage.

Since captured nucleic acids are preserved, FTA Cards facilitate sample collection in remote locations and simplify sample transport. For example, you can collect samples in the field without worrying about immediate refrigeration. Ship your samples back to the laboratory without expensive special handling or dry ice and process at your convenience.

Indicating FTA Cards are recommended for colorless samples. These FTA Cards change from pink to white when sample is applied, verifying the location of the sample. FTA Cards can be used with virtually any sample type:

• Blood
• Cultured cells
• Buccal cells
• Plasmids
• Solid tissue

Captured nucleic acid is ready for downstream applications in less than 30 minutes
Captured nucleic acids are ready for purification when you are. Just take a punch from the FTA Card, wash with FTA Purification Reagent and rinse with TE^-1 (10mM Tris-HCI, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 8) buffer. DNA on the washed punch is ready to use in applications such as PCR, SNP analysis, and real-time PCR. Since PCR products remain in solution, the punch can be used for multiple amplifications.

Store nucleic acids at room temperature for years
Genomic DNA stored on FTA Cards at room temperature for over 17 years (and counting) has been successfully amplified by PCR. RNA, being chemically less stable than DNA, is best analyzed upon return of samples to the laboratory. Frozen storage is helpful for RNA preservation.

Sample integrity is optimized when FTA Cards are stored in a Multi-Barrier Pouch with a Desiccant Packet.

FTA Cards offer a compact room-temperature storage system that reduces the need for precious freezer space.