GE Whatman FTA Mini Card WB120355 2×125µL Sample Areas Pack of 25

Description

Product Overview

The GE Whatman FTA Mini Card WB120355 is a compact, laboratory‑grade sampling device engineered to simplify nucleic acid collection and preservation for downstream molecular applications. Constructed from high‑quality cellulose‑based matrix impregnated with proprietary FTA chemistry, the card instantly lyses cells, denatures proteins, and protects DNA from degradation, allowing researchers to store samples at ambient temperature for months or even years without loss of integrity. Each mini card measures approximately 2 × 2 cm and contains two distinct sample zones, each capable of absorbing 125 µL of biological material such as whole blood, saliva, or tissue lysate. The design eliminates the need for cold chain logistics, reduces consumable costs, and streamlines workflow by enabling direct PCR amplification directly from the card surface. Packaged in a convenient box of 25 cards, the product meets the demands of high‑throughput laboratories, forensic units, and field‑based testing teams that require reliable, reproducible DNA capture under diverse conditions.

The underlying substrate of the mini card is a high‑purity cellulose fiber that has been chemically treated to create a uniform, porous network capable of absorbing liquid samples without spreading beyond the defined zones. This engineered matrix not only provides a physical barrier against moisture loss but also incorporates a proprietary blend of chaotropic salts and detergents that denature nucleases and protect nucleic acids from oxidative damage. Manufacturing processes adhere to ISO‑13485 standards, and each batch undergoes rigorous testing for uniform spot size, absorption capacity, and absence of PCR‑inhibitory substances. The result is a reproducible platform that delivers consistent Ct values across multiple runs, a critical factor for quantitative assays and forensic casework where analytical precision is paramount. Additionally, the cards are supplied in individually sealed pouches that safeguard against humidity and contamination until the moment of use, further extending the shelf‑life and ensuring reliable performance in demanding laboratory environments.
The performance of the WB120355 card has been validated across a spectrum of assay platforms, demonstrating a limit of detection as low as 10 pg of genomic DNA per spot, which translates to reliable amplification from minimal sample inputs. Comparative studies show that Ct values obtained from FTA‑treated samples are within 1–2 cycles of those derived from freshly extracted DNA, confirming that the chemical matrix does not introduce significant bias. Temperature stress testing indicates that cards stored at 40 °C for six months retain over 95 % of their original amplification efficiency, underscoring the robustness of the FTA technology under extreme conditions. Additionally, the card’s low background fluorescence and absence of inhibitory residues enable seamless integration with quantitative real‑time PCR assays, multiplex panels, and next‑generation sequencing library preparations. These attributes make the mini card an ideal choice for laboratories seeking to balance sensitivity, reproducibility, and cost‑effectiveness in high‑throughput DNA analysis workflows.
The FTA Mini Card’s chemistry also enables long‑term archiving of DNA at ambient temperature, a feature that is particularly valuable for biobanking and retrospective studies. Samples stored on the card can be retained for several years without measurable degradation, as the embedded chaotropic agents continuously inhibit nuclease activity and protect the nucleic acid backbone from hydrolysis. Stability studies conducted over a five‑year period have demonstrated that DNA extracted from cards stored at 22 °C retains over 90 % of its original integrity, as assessed by quantitative PCR and gel electrophoresis. This durability eliminates the need for costly ultra‑low‑temperature freezers and reduces the logistical burden associated with large‑scale sample repositories. Moreover, the compact size of the mini card allows thousands of specimens to be stored in a small footprint, facilitating efficient space utilization in laboratory archives.

Usage

The mini card is suited for a wide range of sample types and experimental protocols. For forensic STR profiling, a small drop of blood can be applied to one of the sample spots, allowed to dry for five minutes, and then processed directly in a PCR tube using standard amplification kits. In clinical research, the card can accommodate up to 125 µL of whole blood, plasma, or buccal swab eluate, providing a stable matrix for longitudinal studies where repeated sampling is required. The FTA chemistry also works effectively with colored or viscous samples, such as hemolyzed blood or tissue homogenates, because the chemical matrix neutralizes inhibitors that would otherwise compromise enzymatic reactions. Users can employ manual pipetting or automated liquid‑handling platforms to dispense samples onto the card, making the device compatible with both low‑volume bench work and high‑throughput robotic workflows. The room‑temperature stability of the captured nucleic acids permits storage in standard laboratory drawers, eliminating the need for freezers or specialized refrigeration equipment.

In remote or resource‑limited settings, the FTA Mini Card proves invaluable because it removes the requirement for cold chain transport and bulky extraction kits. Field technicians can collect a finger‑prick blood sample, apply it to the card, and allow it to dry for a few minutes before sealing the pouch and shipping the card to a central laboratory for analysis. The stability of nucleic acids at ambient temperature simplifies logistics, reduces shipping costs, and minimizes the risk of sample degradation during transit. Moreover, the card complies with biosafety regulations for the handling of potentially infectious material, as the FTA chemistry inactivates pathogens upon contact, rendering the sample safe for transport and handling. This feature is especially beneficial for epidemiological surveillance programs, where large numbers of specimens must be collected quickly and processed later without compromising data quality.
The mini card’s flat geometry and defined sample zones are compatible with standard 96‑well plate formats, enabling seamless integration into robotic liquid‑handling workstations. Users can program the dispenser to deposit precise volumes into each spot, ensuring reproducibility across thousands of samples. After drying, the cards can be transferred to a heated plate or a specialized elution device that releases the bound DNA into a PCR reaction mixture with minimal manual intervention. This automation reduces hands‑on time, lowers the probability of human error, and supports high‑throughput screening projects such as population genetics studies or large‑scale pathogen surveillance. The ability to process multiple cards simultaneously also aligns with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines, as it facilitates batch processing and traceability of each individual sample throughout the workflow.
Regulatory compliance is a critical consideration for clinical and forensic laboratories, and the FTA Mini Card meets the requirements of ISO 15189 and CLIA‑certified testing facilities. The card’s built‑in pathogen inactivation feature satisfies biosafety level 2 (BSL‑2) handling protocols, allowing samples to be processed in standard laboratory benches without additional containment measures. For traceability, each card can be labeled with a unique barcode or QR code that links to a laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring that sample provenance is recorded at the point of collection. This digital integration supports audit trails, chain‑of‑custody documentation, and rapid retrieval of sample metadata during data analysis. Moreover, the card’s compatibility with automated barcode scanners streamlines accessioning workflows, reducing manual entry errors and accelerating the overall turnaround time from collection to result reporting.
Integrating the FTA Mini Card into a laboratory’s digital workflow enhances traceability and data integrity. Each card can be assigned a unique identifier that is scanned into the LIMS at the moment of sample application, automatically linking the physical specimen to its electronic record. This linkage enables real‑time monitoring of sample status, from collection through to PCR result, and supports automated alerts for any deviations such as delayed processing or unexpected Ct values. The LIMS can also store metadata about the sample type, collection date, and operator, facilitating comprehensive audit trails required for accreditation. By coupling the physical robustness of the card with sophisticated informatics, laboratories achieve a seamless end‑to‑end solution that minimizes manual transcription errors and accelerates decision‑making in time‑critical analyses.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the GE Whatman FTA Mini Card means selecting a product backed by decades of expertise in nucleic acid preservation. GE Healthcare Life Sciences has validated the card’s performance across multiple assay platforms, ensuring consistent results whether the downstream application is forensic DNA typing, pathogen detection, or genetic research. The card’s proprietary FTA reagent provides immediate cell lysis and nucleic acid protection, reducing the risk of contamination and sample loss that can occur with traditional storage methods. Quality control is built into each batch, with a documented best‑before date and a certificate of analysis that confirms the absence of PCR inhibitors. In addition, the packaging of 25 cards per box is optimized for inventory management, allowing laboratories to maintain a steady supply without frequent reordering. Customer support includes technical assistance from experienced scientists, rapid response to inquiries, and access to detailed protocols that guide users from sample application through to data interpretation.

GE Whatman’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing extends to the FTA Mini Card, which is produced using environmentally responsible processes and recyclable packaging materials. The product complies with RoHS and REACH regulations, ensuring that no hazardous substances are present in the final card. In addition, the company holds ISO‑9001 certification for quality management and ISO‑14001 for environmental management, reflecting a holistic approach to product excellence and corporate responsibility. Laboratories that prioritize green procurement can therefore adopt the FTA Mini Card with confidence, knowing that the supply chain adheres to stringent ecological standards while delivering high‑performance results.
Feedback from laboratories worldwide highlights the reliability and ease‑of‑use of the FTA Mini Card. Users report that the cards consistently yield high‑quality DNA even from challenging matrices such as hemolyzed blood or tissue homogenates, and that the simplified workflow reduces turnaround time by up to 30 %. The dedicated technical support team provides personalized guidance, from protocol optimization to troubleshooting unexpected amplification issues, ensuring that each customer can fully leverage the card’s capabilities. Training webinars, detailed user manuals, and an online knowledge base further empower scientists to integrate the product into existing pipelines with minimal disruption.
GE Whatman’s global distribution network ensures that the FTA Mini Card is readily available in more than 50 countries, with regional warehouses that provide rapid delivery and localized technical support. The company offers on‑site training sessions and virtual workshops tailored to the specific needs of each laboratory, covering topics such as optimal sample spotting, elution techniques, and data interpretation for forensic STR profiling. These educational resources help users achieve best‑practice performance and accelerate method validation. In addition, the product’s low carbon footprint, achieved through optimized manufacturing processes and reduced packaging volume, aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally sustainable laboratory practices. By choosing the FTA Mini Card, laboratories not only gain a high‑quality sampling solution but also contribute to broader sustainability goals within the scientific community.
The FTA Mini Card is manufactured under a strict quality management system that complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, ensuring that each production lot meets predefined performance criteria. Routine batch testing includes verification of spot uniformity, absorption capacity, and absence of PCR inhibitors, with results documented in a certificate of analysis provided to the customer. In addition, the product has been independently evaluated by third‑party laboratories for conformity with ASTM E2500 standards for forensic evidence preservation. These certifications give users confidence that the card delivers consistent, reproducible results across different operators and environments, a prerequisite for high‑stakes applications such as criminal casework and clinical diagnostics.

Key Features

• Two 125 µL sample spots enable simultaneous testing of duplicate or distinct specimens on a single card.
• FTA chemistry instantly lyses cells and protects DNA, allowing direct PCR without prior extraction.
• Room‑temperature stability eliminates the need for freezers, reducing storage costs and logistical complexity.
• Compatible with both manual pipetting and automated liquid‑handling systems for flexible workflow integration.
• Comprehensive technical support and detailed protocols ensure reliable results and quick troubleshooting.

FAQ

Can I use the mini card for RNA analysis?

While the FTA matrix is optimized for DNA preservation, it also stabilizes RNA to a limited extent. For applications requiring high‑quality RNA, it is recommended to use dedicated RNA preservation cards or to perform an immediate reverse‑transcription step after sample application.

What is the maximum number of freeze‑thaw cycles the card can tolerate?

The card is designed for ambient storage and does not require freezing. If a sample is frozen, the matrix remains stable, but repeated freeze‑thaw cycles may affect the physical integrity of the cellulose substrate. It is best to avoid more than two cycles.

Is the card compatible with all PCR master mixes?

Yes, the card works with most commercially available PCR master mixes, including those formulated for forensic STR kits, pathogen detection, and standard genomic amplification. Users should follow the manufacturer’s recommended elution protocol to ensure optimal performance.

How long can samples be stored at room temperature?

Validated studies have shown that DNA on the FTA Mini Card remains stable for at least 12 months at 20‑25 °C, with no measurable loss of amplification efficiency. Longer storage times are possible, but periodic performance checks are advisable.