Advanced Higher biology students simulated an HIV outbreak using the ELISA protocol, to detect and track transmission of the virus. This sophisticated procedure requires knowledge of antibody techniques, and we used the BIO-RAD ELISA Immuno Explorer kit to attach a primary antibody to the viral antigen, followed by a secondary antibody which contained a reporter enzyme, allowing both qualitative and quantitative results analysis. Tracking back to the infected sample is made possible by knowing which samples were mixed and in which order.
Diagnostic labs worldwide use this procedure to detect the presence of topical disease such as HIV, SARS, smallpox, anthrax, Zika, West Nile Virus and many others.
Ahead of the next assessment, this lab session was planned to showcase the theory in practice and allow our AH level students access to materials and equipment not usually available in schools.
