FTA® Elute Cards utilise Whatman FTA® technology that simplifies the handling and processing of nucleic acids. DNA is eluted in an easy step, providing DNA in solution ready for amplification.

• Samples can be collected, shipped, and preserved at room temperature, eliminating the high costs associated with shipping samples on ice and with laboratory freezer storage
• Sample processing time to isolate DNA is 15 to 30 minutes, avoiding the need for lengthy and multiple step isolation procedures
• Sample processing requires a simple hot water elution procedure to isolate DNA eliminating the cost of using a purification kit
• Sample volume requirements are minimal: 12 to 40 µl per collection area, avoiding large blood volume handling/processing
• Haemoglobin, a known PCR inhibitor, is bound to the FTA® Elute matrix - DNA is recovered in solution free of PCR inhibitors

The FTA® Elute matrix is chemically treated with proprietary reagents that lyse cells upon contact causing the release of nucleic acids. DNA is recovered from the FTA® Elute matrix through a simplified elution process using water and heat. Inhibitory components, such as haemoglobin, are retained on the FTA Elute matrix.

The Indicating FTA® Elute matrix is the same chemistry as FTA® Elute with an indicating dye that changes from purple to white upon application of a colourless sample such as saliva, urine, buccal cell swabs and cultured cells.