HIV ELISA Lab Investigation

This laboratory investigation allows students to participate in a HIV test simulation by using an ELISA Assay to test for the presence of HIV antibodies in two simulated patient blood samples. By performing this lab, students will master lab skills that are transferrable towards the biotech industry such as micropipetting, coating & blocking microtiter plates, preparing lab materials/chemicals, and proper safety and waste removal procedures. Along with this, this lab will reinforce student knowledge of immune response, especially in regards to HIV infection. This laboratory is part of a larger interdisciplinary unit at my school about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana, Africa involving the 10th grade Humanities, Math and Science classes. Consequently, this lab gives context for the real life scientific and laboratory procedures used to test potential HIV-positive patients.