DNA Collection Made Easy

A chemically treated matrix called FTA can lyse cells, denature proteins, extract and purify DNA, and protect nucleic acid from nucleases, oxidation, and ultraviolet damage.

An FTA card is used for the collection and transportation of buccal cell samples. DNA extraction and purification take place on the card in a simple wash procedure, alleviating the need for expensive and time-consuming kits. FTA cards include a color marker that changes from pink to white when a sample is applied, of special use in cases where colorless samples are collected, such as buccal or culture cells.

Recently, the French Police and French Gendarmerie Nationale have chosen FTA cards for the collection and transportation of buccal cell samples for forensic investigations, under an agreement with Whatman plc (Brentford, UK), which developed the FTA technology. The new agreement extends a relationship that began in 2000 when France first implemented a comprehensive database for the storage of criminal DNA.

"When our samples are collected and sent to our laboratories for processing, we need to be completely confident that the samples will maintain their integrity throughout the transportation process,” said Captain Frederic Brard, head of the High Throughput Laboratory of the Gendarmerie Nationale. "In addition to providing a stable environment for transport and storage, the FTA cards are treated with chemicals that inactivate blood-borne pathogens and prevent the growth of bacteria, which provides a greater degree of safety for the officers who are collecting human samples.”

"Once a sample is captured on an FTA card, it is instantly immobilized and stabilized for either long-term storage or immediate processing,” noted marin Tricarico, vice president of business development at Whatman.




Related Links:
Whatman