Antibody testing to detect prior infection has become a topic of general interest during the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic; it is also part of the undergraduate curriculum in many analytical or biochemistry courses. This alignment of popular and curricular interests inspired the introduction of a virtual group project in a sophomore-level analytical chemistry course that addresses antibody testing technology, performance characteristics and limitations, and communication with a non-science audience. Groups containing a mixture of online and in-person students are assigned to research the chemical principles, technology, and performance statistics of COVID-19 antibody tests under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Student groups create web-based materials to communicate information to a non-science audience about the principles of antibody testing and the performance characteristics of both individual tests and different types of test technologies. The project relates the course topics of immunoassays, statistics, and quality control/assurance to each other and additionally supports learning goals around collaboration and professional skills. It may be adapted for use with other types of medical tests that are under an FDA EUA.

Virtual group project to evaluate medical test performance characteristics and develop communication skills in an analytical chemistry course

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.