Sample to Insight__
Quick-Start Protocol
Instructions for EasiCollect® Plus
January 2021
This product is for
addition, this is for single
stored correctly, the FTA Cards are good until the expiration date printed on the kit box lid.
Do not open package before use.
EasiCollect Plus is an all-in-one single-use product for the collection and storage of buccal cells.
Cells are captured on the foam applicator by swabbing the inside of both cheeks and then
transferred to an integral Indicating FTA
chemical mix that breaks open cells and releases DNA. The same chemical mix then protects
the DNA from damage. The Indicating FTA Cards also contain a dye that turns white when
colorless liquids are applied to the card.
research use only
use only. Store
, and should not be used
the
product at room temperature
®
Card. FTA Cards are treated with a proprietary
in diagnostic procedures.
(15–25°C). When
In
Further information
Safety Data Sheets: www.qiagen.com/safety
Technical assistance: support.qiagen.com
Notes before starting
Always wear gloves when handling biological samples, and avoid touching the surface
of the foam head to prevent contamination.
Sample collection may be improved if subjects avoid eating, drinking, or smoking 30
minutes prior to sample collection.
2
Instructions for EasiCollect Plus 01/2021
FTA sample collection
1. When collecting samples, always wear gloves and avoid
touching the surface of the sample area and the foam head to
avoid contamination. Slide out the EasiCollect Plus product.
2. Place the foam head in the mouth, and using moderate pressure,
run it along the gum-line and under the tongue. Once wet, rub
the foam head inside of each cheek for 15 s. It is extremely
important to ensure that the foam head is coated with saliva
during this step to enable good sample transfer. Remove the
foam head from the mouth.
3. Hold the EasiCollect Plus as shown and slide the cover open.
4. Fold the arm over until the foam head contacts the FTA collection
paper.
5. Slide the cover closed until it clicks and the cover edge lines up
with the arrow on the body.
Instructions for EasiCollect Plus 01/2021
3
FTA card removal
6. Record identification information on the back of the FTA Card
Pack. After the indicating FTA card is dry, the sample can be
processed immediately or packaged for transport. The
EasiCollect Plus can be transported in a multibarrier pouch
(WB100037) to a laboratory. Dried sample cards can be stored
for long periods of time in a multibarrier pouch with a desiccant
packet (WB100003).
1. Once dried, the sample card can be removed from the
EasiCollect Plus and sent to the laboratory. Wearing gloves,
hold the EasiCollect Plus as shown and slide the cover open,
releasing the foam head.
On occasion, the swab head may stick to the FTA paper during
sample transfer. This does not affect the quality of the DNA
sample or the performance of the sample in STR analysis.
2. The sample card can then be removed from the rear of the
EasiCollect Plus.
FTA sample processing
Sample punching
Remove a 1.2 mm punch from the dried Indicating FTA Card using a manual punch such as
the UniCore Puncher (cat. no. WB100074 or WB100028), a semi-automated puncher such
as the BSD600 Ascent (cat. no. WB120036), or the fully automated STAR Q Punch AS (EC)
system (cat no. 9002651) for high-throughput punching and integrated assay setup.
4
Instructions for EasiCollect Plus 01/2021
Ordering www.qiagen.com/shop | Technical Support support.qiagen.com | Website www.qiagen.com
Direct PCR
1. Add PCR reagents to the PCR reaction tube or plate including an appropriate amount of
Investigator STR GO! Punch Buffer (cat. no. 386526 or 386528), e.g., QIAGEN’s
Investigator 24plex GO! (cat. no. 382426 or 382428) or Investigator IDplex GO! (cat.
no. 381636 or 381638), that have been validated for use with punches taken directly
from FTA cards.
2. Add the punch and proceed with the amplification process according to manufacturers’
instructions.
Pre-washed direct PCR
1. Remove a 2.0 mm punch from the dried Indicating FTA Card using a UniCore Punch
(cat. no. WB100029 or WB100076).
2. Wash the punch with 200 μl QIAcard FTA Wash Buffer (WB120204) three times for 5
minutes each. Discard the washes.
3. Wash the punch twice with 200 μl TE-1 buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0).
Discard the washes.
4. Add PCR reagents to the punch and proceed with the amplification process according to
manufacturers’ instructions.
Document Revision History
Date Changes
01/2021 Initial release.
Trademarks: QIAGEN
marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law. 01/2021 HB-2726-001 © 2021 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.
®
, Sample to Insight®, EasiCollect®, FTA® (QIAGEN Group). Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this doc ument, even when not specifically
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