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Research, independent study and scholarly project electives taken for credit require the submission of a thoughtfully written prospectus, which includes a hypothesis, an experimental plan and a brief literature review. The prospectus must be signed by both the scheduling advisor and the preceptor. It is to be submitted to the Dean of Students, Dr. Joan Harvey, not later than one month prior to initiation of the elective. Credit will not be given unless this prospectus is pre-approved. (See the introduction to the course catalog for more information)
The objective of my research elective is to investigate the feasibility of a potential screening test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) using ATP bioluminescence. I will be working with Dr. ______ and Dr. ____ in a study which is being conducted through the Magee Research Institute. The study is designed to compare the amount of ATP in vaginal and cervical swabs from females with and without STDs. Presumably infections such as chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis and trichomosiasis will increase ATP in vaginal and cervical specimens and this amount can be quantified using a machine called an ATP bioluminator. The ultimate goal of the study is to devise a fast, inexpensive, and reliable STD screening test for women. The current protocol (IRB approval date will involve 1) recruiting female patients from the Allegheny County Health Department STD Clinic to participate in the study; 2) obtain consent from these patients; 3) performing routine examinations and specimen collection on study participants; 4) running the specimens in an ATP bioluminator and 5) analyzing the results in patients with and without STDs and comparing ATP bioluminescence to other available tests (i.e. culture, PCR, enzyme immunoassay).
During the first week of my elective I will be working in the laboratory at the Magee Research Institute. I will be conducting a series of studies to verify the correct concentrations of reagents and enzymes for running samples in the ATP bioluminator. The next three weeks will be spent at the ACHD STD Clinic recruiting patients, obtaining specimens, running samples and analyzing results.
My research will be under the direct supervision of Dr. _____ and Dr. _____. Relevant findings or changes to the protocol will be discussed and cleared through these preceptors. As discussed with Dr. _____, there is no paper requirement for this elective, however, I will be expected to present my results to my preceptors and a final grade will be assigned at the end of the rotation.
Approved by: Preceptors Signature Advisor Signature Dr. (Print name) Dr. (Print name)