Diagnostic Virus Laboratory for Clinical Service

• A laboratory of the type and size here described was found capable of handling a monthly average of 160 specimens for virus isolation studies and 150 serum samples for serologic studies, and has made it possible to confirm the etiological diagnosis in from 2 to 15 patients per month. The total floor space required for the special incubators, together with the customary laboratory equipment, was less than 90 sq. m. (960 sq. ft.). Two types of cells are propagated routinely, namely monkey kidney and the HeLa carcinoma. In addition, the laboratory is equipped to maintain embryonated hen's eggs for studies of influenza and mumps and certain animals (suckling mice, adult mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs) for other purposes. The personnel include both part-time and full-time workers. This laboratory has been found valuable in improving the care of certain types of patients, in medical education, and in clinical research.