A) In the given lab, 11 groups each had two patients to diagnose with the procedures needed. With each of these groups, all had different patients and needed to base it off of a positive and negative control for each group. However one group did not get results so 10 groups diagnosed 20 patients for our results.
B) To reduce error, many precautions were placed and many procedures were followed to avoid error. With having each of the groups having three images for each trial, gave a better result to be more accurate. Using the three pictures, even if 2 of them agreed and one was void, the ability to see the error and not have the results based on a bad trial. The controls are also used to see the comparisons and were needed for the groups to see the difference between positive and negative control.
C) In the results, there was only one inconclusive test and two no tests, so the lab showed a definite result of either positive or negative. Challenges that occurred to have a change in results or a bad result is the placement of the drop on the plate to be able to see it. Taking the pictures as well, posed a problem because of the inability to have clear pictures or completely dark environment in order to see the results. This might have affected the data, as it may have seen different values in the imageJ observation.
What Bayes Statistics Imply about This Diagnostic Approach
The results for calculations for 1 and 2 were close to 1.00, which indicates high reliability of the individual PCR replicates for concluding whether a person has the disease SNP.
The results for calculations 3 and 4 were high, but not as close to 1.00. This indicates moderate reliability of PCR for predicting the development of the disease.
Three possible source of human or machine/device error that occurred during the PCR detection could have been due to the fact the fluorometer pictures we took may not have accurately portrayed the light emitted by the drop, the SYBR Green I solution may have been affected by the light in the room and the micropipette may not have transferred the exact amount of solution into the PCR tube.
Intro to Computer-Aided Design
3D Modeling
The software that was used was SolidWorks which was used in previous labs. SolidWorks is a CAD program that can virtually conceptualize and design any 3 dimensional object. The experience with SolidWorks was a semi-frustrating process, as SolidWorks has been used before, but the practice of the program is not common. The design lab always tests the ability of the SolidWorks skill/knowledge anytime it is used for any particular lab. The brainstorming is the hardest part as it can look different for any person in the group, but the ability to translate the idea onto the software gives a challenge from the beginning. Aside from all of the difficulties ad learning experiences, the CAD software SolidWorks is a great program for any design based project.
Our Design
Feature 1: Consumables
Five areas it addresses: Branding and Target Markets
Our consumables will include the reagents for the disease-specific primers found in Lab 4, plastic tubes, pipette tips, tip box, and reagent glassware.
We will focus on a sustainable or more environmentally conscious brand. All our consumables will be packaged in a biodegradable or recyclable plastic. We will provide tubes and tips with reduced amounts of plastic. We will use a biodegradable and reusable tip box. Additionally, we will provide autoclavable glassware or reagent reservoirs to reduce waste. When preparing multiple reactions, consumers can create master mixes of the common reagents. This means instead of using numerous plastic tubes for the PCR reaction mix, one reusable container will be used. Since different pipette tips are used for each reaction,and the containers can be sterilized in an autoclave, this will not cause contamination.
Our target market is scientists and researchers, who often are more environmentally conscious and liberal than the average person. Additionally, if we can reduce how often they purchase new materials, such as tubes and tip boxes, we can reduce the long term cost. For many labs, this means their funding can go to more important things.
Feature 2: Hardware - PCR Machine & Fluorimeter
PCR Machine
Five areas it addresses: Positioning
Our PCR machine connects through bluetooth to an app that shows the device’s progress on the user’s phone. It could tell how many cycles are left, any unusual cycle times or temperatures, estimated time remaining and give a notification when the reaction is done. That way the user can easily keep track of the device and be aware of any complications in the reaction, fixing the lack of outside communication with the system.
Fluorimeter
Five areas it addresses: Positioning
Our fluorimeter system features a GoPro camera that is attached to a closed fluorimeter box that limits the amount of light that hits the drop with the SYBR Green I solution. The GoPro will immediately send the photos over to ImageJ for processing and analysis. This new system addresses the photo issues and the light sensitivity of the drop. After pipetting the drop onto the hydrophobic slide and illuminating the laser, the user will be able to place the GoPro on the window and shut the box to prevent further light from affecting the drop.
Where can you buy it?
Five areas it addresses: Place
This device will be able to be purchased at sites like labx.com and biocompare.com.
BME 100 Spring 2018
