Methods for the detection of adventitious viruses in cell cultures used in the production of biotechnology products.

The possibility for viral contamination exists in established cultures as well as in primary cultures. The use of established genetically engineered cultures in the production of biologicals for human use requires that these cultures be monitored for adventitious viral agents. Among the methods used for this purpose are animal inoculation and in vitro assays which provide a broad-spectrum screen for viral agents.