Efforts toward a More Useful Viral Diagnostic Laboratory

More than 4,000 viruses were isolated in a 9-year period and reported to the physician virtually as soon as virus activity was detected in cell cultures or mice. Within 4 days of receipt of specimens, 44.3% of viral isolates had been reported to the physician and within 7 days, 72.8% had been reported. These preliminary reports also correctly indicated the general type of virus isolated 90.4% of the time. Only in 4.7% of the virus isolations was the type of virus incorrectly indicated, and in 4.9% of the isolations, only “virus” was reported.