Diagnostic virology--then and now.

In the past five years, technologic advances in the shell vial assay and expanding availability of rapid membrane EIA tests have allowed over 90% of the viruses detected in our laboratory to be reported within 24 h postinoculation. PCR technology promises to add a new practical dimension to diagnostic virology especially for the detection of viruses in CSF, tissues, and blood. Extension of these diagnostic capabilities from investigative protocols to general laboratories for routine use will be our biggest challenge and be based on considerations of cost, licensing, and availability of this technology in "kit" formats.