The SALSA MC002 SMA Newborn Screen can be used with crude DNA extracts from dried blood spot (DBS) cards or with DNA purified from peripheral blood. The main sample requirements are listed below.

Crude extracts from DBS cards

Crude extracts can be prepared from 1.5 or 3.2 mm punches of DBS cards based on untreated Whatman 903 paper. DNA must be extracted via one of the protocols given in the instructions for use.

Only DBS cards based on untreated Whatman 903 paper have been validated. For validation of other cards, please contact us. Cards impregnated with chemicals, such as FTA cards, are not suitable.

Peripheral blood

For DNA from peripheral blood, silica-based columns and manual salting out have been validated as extraction methods. Heparinised blood can only be used if the sample has been purified with a method that removes heparin (e.g. Nucleospin gDNA Clean-up XS). The DNA concentration should be in the range of 0.5–15 ng/µl, and optimally in the range of 5–15 ng/µl.

For more details and for DNA extraction protocols, please read the MC002 instructions for use.