Immunology of Pregnancy Tests

# 279 Immunology of Pregnancy Tests

Experiment Objectives:

The objective of the simulation experiment is to introduce concepts and experimental procedures involved with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in the context of testing for pregnancy.

Experiment Components

A hCG Antibody (simulated)

B Positive Control

C Urine Sample Patient 1 (simulated)

D Urine Sample Patient 2 (simulated)

E Anti-hCG-peroxidase conjugate

F Hydrogen peroxide, stabilized

G Peroxide co-substrate

H Phosphate buffered saline concentrate

• Microtiter strips

• Transfer pipets

• Microtest tubes with attached caps

• 15 ml plastic tubes

Requirements

• Distilled or deionized water

• Beakers

• 37°C Incubation oven

• Disposable lab gloves

• Safety goggles

• Automatic micropipets (0 - 50 μl) and tips recommended Make sure glassware is clean, dry and free of soap residue.

Background Information

The female reproductive organs consist of the ovaries, the ovarian tubes, the uterus and the vagina. The principal function of the female reproductive system is to produce the ova and to provide the environment for fertilization and nurturing of the ovum to make possible normal growth to a mature fetus. The final step is to deliver the offspring to the outside environment.

The human female usually releases a single ovum per ovulation cycle. Upon ovulation the ovum is released into the ovarian tube. It is in the ovarian tubes that the ovum may be fertilized. It then passes into the uterus where it implants into the wall of the uterus. In the uterus, the fertilized ovum grows to become a fetus. Synchronized orchestration of a number of hormones mediates the events that are involved in ovulation. These hormones are produced in the pituitary and in the ovary itself and bring about their effects by circulating in the blood stream.

During each female menstrual cycle, groups of cells (follicles) grow in the ovary. Although many follicles will grow, only one follicle will develop to maturity while the others...