BME100 f2014:Group10 L6

BME 100 Fall 2014	Home People Lab Write-Up 1 | Lab Write-Up 2 | Lab Write-Up 3 Lab Write-Up 4 | Lab Write-Up 5 | Lab Write-Up 6 Course Logistics For Instructors Photos Wiki Editing Help
OUR COMPANY Name: Meredith Bothman Name: Dawei Jiang Name: Peter Seo Name: Cera Lange Name: Steven Nguyen EDU PCR LAB 6 WRITE-UP Bayesian Statistics Overview of the Original Diagnosis System The BME class tested 68 patients for a disease-associated SNP. 34 teams of 6 students each worked to diagnose the patients. Each team was assigned two patients to test for the designated SNP. 3 replicates were tested per patient to decrease error from contamination of samples and natural sample variation. Each sample was mixed with green fluorescent protein, which marked the concentration of SNP positive DNA within the sample. The patient samples were each compared to a positive and negative control, which was tested using the same method. The samples were mixed with the GFP mixture. 80 μL drops of the mixture were then dropped onto slides. Images were then captured of the drops while they were in complete darkness so the fluorescence could be captured. These images were then analyzed with ImageJ software to determine the amount of green in the image. Solutions of a known DNA concentration were run through the ImageJ software to determine a calibration curve, which was then used to determine the DNA concentration of the patient samples. 3 drop images were used for the ImageJ calculations per PCR sample to reduce error. These concentration values allowed the researchers to determine which patients tested positive for the disease. These values are representative of the final values found by the BME100 class. What Bayes Statistics Imply about This Diagnostic Approach The Bayesian statistics values for calculations 1 and 2 imply that the PCR replicates are reliable for concluding whether or not a patient has the disease SNP. The Bayes values were both moderately close to 1.00 (100%). The Bayes values could have been negatively effected by various factors. The PCR tubes could have been switched during testing through poor labeling practices or communication. The Bayes values could also have been effected by the deterioration of GFP solution when exposed to light. Other error could have been caused because of the differences between cameras used, which would express the fluorescence differently. Calculations 3 and 4 imply that The PCR reliability for prediction of the disease is moderate to low, because the Bayes values are close to 50%. Computer-Aided Design TinkerCAD The TinkerCAD tool was very simple to use after going through the tutorial processes. The PCR machine was simple to construct since the pieces were pre-made for the lab groups; therefore, the assembly was simple. The hardest part of assembly was making sure the pieces were in the correct place and were lined up with the parts that they were to connect to. The rotation tools were useful in rearranging each part and the leveling tools ensured that the placement was correct. Finally, the Grouping tool was used to piece the machine parts together so they would not move out of their designated spots, and the machine was then flipped so it would be standing upright in the editing platform. Our Design The design is similar to the original OpenPCR machine, but a solution to one of the main problems with the PCR machine was engineered. The lid in the original PCR machine was difficult to open and operate. It required a specific amount of pressure and could malfunction if the lid was closed too tightly or too loosely. The new design provides a seal around the lid of the PCR machine to alleviate the issues with pressure and provide extra insulation for the machine. The addition of a seal would allow for the lid to be closed less tightly, and could help keep the machine from breaking because of too much pressure placed on the lid. Feature 1: Consumables Kit The consumables in our kit will be packaged in single-use kits to eliminate waste and streamline the process. The kits will contain 16 PCR tubes sectioned in 4 strips of 4, 16 primer tubes, 16 PCR mix tubes, labels for the tubes to eliminate labeling errors, 16 light-tight tubes of SYBR GREEN and 64 micropipettor tips. This individual packaging will allow for ease of ordering in a lab setting with limited funding or in settings when simplicity is important. The individual sectioning of the SYBR GREEN will help eliminate issues with light contamination of the fluorescent dye. Feature 2: Hardware - PCR Machine & Fluorimeter The PCR machine will, as previously stated, be similar to the OpenPCR machine with slight changes to the lid structure. The fluorimeter will contain a more supportive stand for the camera, and will also have a flap at the front of the box to allow the shutter button to be pushed with a minimum amount of light contamination. One of the main issues with the fluorimeter set up was that the stand for the iPhone did not support it very well, and so if the camera button was pressed with too much force the iPhone would move. A better set up will include a stand with an adjustable clamp to allow for less movement of the iPhone. The bottom of the stand will also have gripping material so that the stand itself does not move when the button is pushed. This will allow for more continuity in the images.