Get hands-on experience with the principles of qPCR diagnostics.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, qPCR, fluorescence visualization, gel electrophoresis (optional)
- Topics: Infectious disease, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology
- Time required: One or two class periods (depending on approach)
- Level: General high school, advanced high school, college
This lab demonstrates the power that molecular techniques bring to managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this case study students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Students use PCR and a fluorescence viewer to diagnose their patients. The data for this lab can be collected two ways: endpoint detection or qPCR time point observations. Endpoint detection allows your students to use a single observation of fluorescence to diagnose their patients, in a single class period and without the need to run a gel. For longer classes, students can monitor their PCR samples over time to model the principles of qPCR, the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Disclaimer: no pathogenic materials are used. This experimental protocol engages students in a simulated patient diagnosis exercise. None of the materials provided in this lab kit pose a pathogenic risk. For educational use only. Not for diagnostic use.
Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., SeeGreen™ or GelGreen®)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
- PCR tubes
Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- PCR thermal cycler
- P51™ molecular fluorescence viewer or other blue light illuminator
- Optional: Gel electrophoresis and visualization system
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 12 months when stored in freezer
Accessories information: The learning lab companion kit (catalog no. 470352-026) contains all the consumables (except water) needed for a class of 32 students. These reagents and consumables can also be sourced independently.
Delivery information: This lab kit provides enough reagents for eight lab groups: qGRN Master Mix; COVID Primer Mix; Simulated Patient Samples: Patient AH, Patient BH, Patient CH, Patient DH; Simulated Control Samples; Positive Control; Negative Control; PCR strip tubes; Fast DNA Ladder 1; 6X Loading Dye.
