Rapid detection of herpes simplex virus in MRC-5 cells using low-speed centrifugation enhancement and immunoperoxidase staining 16 h post-inoculation.

The performance of MRC-5 shell vial centrifugation-enhancement and direct immunoperoxidase staining was compared to the traditional WI38 tube cell culture for the detection of Herpes simplex virus on 123 clinical samples. The shell vial technology not only proved to be sensitive (100%) and specific (100%), but could offer up to 20% reduction in cost when compared to routine methods. In addition, a commercially prepared MRC-5 shell vial product proved to be superior with respect to cost, sensitivity, and reliability when compared to an in-house preparation.