Hands-on simulation of Sickle Cell diagnostic test.

• Perform a simulated test on a patient sample
• No actual blood or blood products are used.
• Includes all required reagents
• Use DNA Electrophoresis to reach a diagnosis
• Activity can be completed in 45 minutes

Sickle Cell Anemia is a common genetic disease that causes long rods in red blood cells, giving them a 'sickled' appearance. These cells get stuck in small capillaries of the blood stream leading to oxygen deprivation that causes pain and organ damage.

Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by a single point mutation in the hemoglobin gene that results in a faulty protein.

In this experiment, your students will investigate the restriction enzyme that discriminates between HbA (normal) and HbS (disease) genes and perform a simulated test on a patient.

Additional items needed but not included: DNA Electrophoresis equipment, White light box, microwave or hot plate.