An HIV test detects HIV infection indirectly using an ELISA test against HIV antibodies in the blood. The test works by taking antibodies from the patient's blood and adding them to a microtiter plate coated with HIV antigen. If HIV antibodies are present in the blood, they will bind to the antigens on the plate. This binding is detected with an enzyme-linked secondary antibody that causes a color change upon addition of substrate.
In this Edvotek experiment, your students will perform an ELISA test by coating microtiter plate wells with simulated HIV antigen and then test simulated donor serum for anti-HIV antibodies.
For 10 groups of students.
Time required: 1 hour.
Kit includes: instructions, simulated HIV antigens, serum samples, antibodies, buffers, microtiter plates, assorted pipets and microtest tubes.
All you need: 37ºC incubation oven, adjustable micropipettes with tips (optional), pipette pumps, laboratory glassware, distilled or deionized water.