Whatman 903 Protein Saver Cards are specialized tools for the collection and storage of biological samples. These cards are engineered to effectively preserve proteins and other biomolecules in a dried format. Their design streamlines the process of handling biological specimens, making them suitable for various scientific applications.
The Science Behind Protein Preservation
These cards are constructed from a specialized cellulose matrix of 100% pure cotton linters, without wet-strength additives. This untreated matrix allows for uniform absorption of biological fluids like blood or urine. Once a sample is applied, the card rapidly dries it, which inhibits microbial growth and stabilizes proteins within the sample. This drying process locks biomolecules in a stable state, preventing degradation common in liquid samples.
Removing water makes the environment unsuitable for enzymatic activity and bacterial proliferation, primary causes of sample degradation. The absence of chemical treatments in Whatman 903 cards ensures that collected proteins remain unaltered and suitable for various downstream analytical methods. This design makes them particularly useful for workflows focused on small molecules and proteins.
Where These Cards Are Used
Whatman 903 Protein Saver Cards find extensive application across several medical and research fields. One prominent use is in newborn screening programs, where they are employed to collect blood samples from infants to test for metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU). The cards simplify the collection process for these time-sensitive tests, allowing for widespread screening. Their utility extends to infectious disease testing, where they can preserve samples for detecting pathogens such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium species.
These cards are also valuable in forensic analysis, facilitating the collection and transport of biological evidence from crime scenes. Furthermore, in therapeutic drug monitoring, the cards provide a convenient method for collecting patient samples to assess drug levels. The ease of sample collection and stable storage at ambient temperatures make these cards highly practical for both laboratory and field-based studies, especially in areas with limited resources.
Benefits and Sample Collection
Advantages of Whatman 903 Protein Saver Cards include simplified sample collection, often via a simple finger prick. Each card typically features five half-inch circles, with each circle capable of holding approximately 75 to 80 microliters of sample. This design allows for multiple collections on a single card, increasing efficiency. The dried samples on these cards can be stored and transported at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive cold chain logistics and reducing overall costs.
They also enhance safety by reducing biohazard risks during handling and shipping. Each card includes a wraparound cover with space for recording sample information and is imprinted with the universal biohazard symbol. To collect a sample, a few drops of blood or other biological fluid are applied to the designated circles on the card. The sample is then allowed to air-dry completely, typically for several hours, before the card is folded and stored.