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Reagents, Stains, Media, and Cell Cultures: Virology, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555816728/9781555814632_Chap77-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555816728/9781555814632_Chap77-2.gifAbstract:
Some molecular assays, for practical reporting purposes, may take as long as overnight cell culture and may not lend themselves to single-specimen testing as well as cell culture does. For these reasons, cell cultures are still an indispensible research and clinical laboratory tool, particularly when combined with the use of highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the detection of common viruses and Chlamydia spp. or when cell lines are engineered to produce virus-induced enzymes, such as beta-galactosidase for the detection of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). This chapter describes the cell lines, reagents, stains, and media used in association with traditional tube and rapid viral culture techniques. Definitive identification of certain viruses or Chlamydia spp. can be directly determined in clinical samples when using MAbs labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate, methylrhodamine isothiocyanate, or phycoerythrin with an Evans blue and/or propidium iodide counterstain. The lot number and date of use for all media, buffers, reagents, and additives should also be recorded. An important consideration in using cell culture is ensuring collection of cellular material and maintaining the viability of the organisms from the time of sample collection to inoculation in cell culture. Cell culture media are an important part of the production and maintenance of cells.