Viral Diagnostics Lab: Beating the Next Pandemic
This lab demonstrates the power that molecular techniques bring to
managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this case study, students act
as healthcare providers, diagnosing four patients who have arrived at
their clinics complaining of flu-like symptoms. Students will use gel
electrophoresis to discern whether their patients are suffering from
seasonal flu or a new and dangerous emerging virus. This exercise
reinforces how molecular tools allow healthcare providers to diagnose
hard-to-distinguish infections. An optional extension offers an
introduction to DNA sequence analysis and its applications in
epidemiology for more advanced students.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Infectious disease, molecular and clinical diagnostics, evolution, biotechnology
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45-minute class period
- Level: Middle school through college
What is included
The miniPCR Viral Diagnostics Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students):
- 4 patient DNA samples
- 1 control DNA sample
- 1 tube of DNA molecular weight marker (Fast DNA Ladder 1)
Note: Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems
Supplied by user:
The Learning Lab Companion Kit
(catalog no. KT-1510-01) contains all the consumables (except water)
needed for 8 lab groups. These reagents and consumables can also be
sourced independently.
- Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
-
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., GelGreen™)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H2O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
-
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis and visualization system
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 12 months when stored in the freezer
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