Clarification on GEHC FTA - Fitzco ECS

Sept. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- In a Fitzco Press Release dated 11th January 2012 we stated that "Fitzco are the original co-founder of the FTA cards."  We also stated "Fitzco have long been respected for developing innovative sample collection devices including the acclaimed FTA paper which they co-founded in the 90's." Whilst these statement are true we need to clarify the following points.  

FTA is a trademark now owned by GEHC Companies and FTA products are sold by Fitzco under licence from GEHC.

We would ask all recipients not to confuse GEHC FTA with Fitzco ECS.  These are non-related products and are trademarks owned wholly by GEHC (FTA) and Fitzco (ECS) respectively.

We offer our sincere apologies for any confusion caused.





ECS™ Technologies

The Ensemble Collection System™ is a group of sciences revolving around the collection of different components at varying conditions of a cell, where one technology might work better then another based on each situation.  In a sense each technology can be used utilising its own strengths, but together they all work in  harmony doing different applications.

Fitzco 705™

705™ is a pure paper foundation with no chemical additives.  It is made from a high-purity cotton linter pulp that is perfect for biological sample collection.  705™ is a proven product for long term nucleic acid preservation in both ambient and frozen storage.  Nucleic acids are trapped, but not bound to paper.  It has a limited protein application.  These features make it an ideal foundation for other ECS™ platforms. Fitzco has manufactured specimen collection cards using this grade of paper for nucleic acid & screening applications since 1991.  The Fitzco 705™ is a cost effective sample collection paper with over 20 years proven standard.

Fitzco PRO™

PRO™ is a chemical-based matrix that targets the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins.  PRO™ was formulated to engulf the proteins and stop them from fracturing or degrading as cells lyse. PRO™ collects, protects, and suspends proteins in a dried format that is amenable for ambient storage.

The chemistry for protein protection eases the ability to work with nucleic acids.  In nucleic acids applications, PRO™ has been validated for use with a simple extraction protocol on both blood and Buccal samples. It has also been shown to be conducive for direct amplification of  buccal samples.  The Fitzco PRO™ features include Multiple Protein Structures, Easy Nucleic Acid Extraction, Direct Amplification, no preparation required for buccal, available in Indicating format.

Fitzco ProPRIME™

ProPRIME™ is a chemical-based matrix that targets the primary & secondary protein structures.  As with the PRO™, ProPRIME™ suspends the primary structures, protecting it from denaturing and degrading.

Again, the chemistry for protein protection eases the ability to work with nucleic acids.  In nucleic acids applications, ProPRIME™ has been validated for simple extraction.  It has been shown to be perfect for Direct Amplification for both blood and buccal samples.

ProPRIME™ renders proteins that make harmful pathogens inactive while preserving the structures for downstream analysis.  The ProPRIME™ benefits include Primary Protein Structures, Inactivates proteins for downstream analysis, Direct Amplification, no preparation required for buccal or blood samples, inactivates harmful pathogens.

Fitzco ECS Indicating™

The Fitzco ECS Indicating™ is designed to show a cellular zone, where collected cells are located. After a clear (i.e. buccal) sample is collected, the sample stain will start the process of definition between the sample area and non sample area.  After the separation process, three distinct areas of the sample are shown: a line of sample separation/delineation (Dark Blue), a neutral area (yellow) and the Indicating Zone™ (freckled blue/green) showing where the highest concentration of cells are located.  Features of the Fitzco ECS Indicating™ include Easily identifiable Cell Zone™, no  interference with the chemistries, significant reduction in the number of non sample punches.

For more information on all of our products please visit http://www.fitzcoinc.com or http://www.fitzco.co.uk if you are outside of the Americas.