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 

• Required equipment:

• • 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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