Rapid detection of influenza virus by shell vial assay with monoclonal antibodies.

Of 45 influenza virus strains (43 type A and 2 type B) detected in conventional tube cell cultures (average time, 4 days), 25 (56%) were detected by immunofluorescence in the shell vial assay 24 h postinoculation. The specific fluorescence produced should allow this procedure to be readily adapted by laboratories with various degrees of experience with immunofluorescence methodology.