Question

describing the techniques introduced in the Immunology lab and how it relates to COVID 19 testing and research.

all the laboratory techniques and compare and contrast on what can be learned from each of the assays and discuss why multiple assays may be advisable. Refer to literature to support your conclusions and cite at least 3 peer reviewed sources.

Methods Review

Clear and concise description of assays performed in Immunology lab as it relates to COVID 19 testing and research

Review is not intended to be a step by step protocol in how to perform the assay but a top level description of how the assay is performed and what can be learned from each of the techniques

Completeness

Discussion of all Immunology assays as related to COVID 19

Top level description of how the assay is performed and most importantly, detail what can be lfrom each of the techniques performed in Immunology as it relates to COVID 19.

Analysis

Analysis of techniques for differences and commonalities

Compare and contrast between each of the techniques performed in Immunology lab and describe what can be learned from each of the assays.

Address limitations of each of the techniques performed in Immunology lab

Discuss any optimum combination of techniques performed in Immunology 453 lab for Covid testing and research and why multiple assays may be advisable. Explain why necessary

Serial Dilution as it relates to any of the assays performed (ie standard curve construction)

Lymphocyte discussion (ie as it relates to COVID 19 infection)

Bradford (ie as it relates to Western Analysis)

Microarray

Elisa

Western Blotting

Affinity Column

QPCR

Enzyme Activity Assay- Lysozyme is just an example of this (may apply best with future research exploration)

Conclusion and Synthesis

Information synthesized and brought to a logical conclusion

Brings all of the other sections together.

Offers new ideas to explore or directions for future research.

Answer 1

Laboratory testing for COVID-19 virus: Laboratories undertaing testing for COVID-19 virus should adhere strickly to appropriate biosafety practices.

• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for COVID-19 virus: Routine conformation cases of COVID-19 is based on detection of unique sequence of virus RNA by NAAT such as real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with confirmation by nucleica acid sequencing when necessary. The viral genes targeted so far include the N, E, S and RdRP genes. Example of protocols used may be found here. RNA extraction should be done in biosafety cabinet in a BSL-2 or equivalent facility. Heat treatment of sample before RNA extraction is not recommended.

• Serological testing: Serological surveys can aid investigation of an ongoing outbreak and retrospecive assessment of the attack rate or extent of an outbreak. In cases where NAAT assays are neagtive and there is a strong epidemiological link to COVID-19 infection, paired serum samples could support diagosis once validated erology tests are available. Serum samples can be stored for these purposes. Cross reactivity to other coronaviruses can be challenging, but commercial and non-commercial serological tests are currently under development. Some studies with COVID-19 serological data on clinical samples have been published.
• Rapid diagnostic tests based on antigen detection: One type of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) detects the presence of viral proteins expressed by the COVID-19 virus in sample from therespiratory tract of a person. If the target antigen is present in sufficient concentrations in the sample, it will bind to specific antibodies fixed to a paper strip enclosed in a plastic casing and generate a visually detectable signal, typically within 30 minutes. The antigen detected are expressed only when the virus is actively replicating; therefore, such tests are best used to identify acute or early infection.