Assay of poliomyelitis neutralizing antibody in disposable plastic panels.

A method for titration of poliomyelitis neutralizing antibodies in disposable plastic panels is described. This method is a modification of those reported from the laboratories of Salk and of McLean, in which antibody is measured by protection of monkey-kidney cell suspensions from the metabolic inhibitory influence of the polioviruses.White polystyrene panels, inexpensive and commercially available, are sterilized by alcohol or ultraviolet light. Only 20,000 to 30,000 passage cells are used per cup. The cell suspension is obtained by treatment of primary kidney cultures with a chelating agent, Versene. Such passage cells have a more uniform metabolic activity than trypsinized cells obtained directly from monkey kidney. Cell suspensions may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks and still prove useful for the colour test. They are standardized for each test by a prior titration of their viability, the results of which are available in less than 24 hours. Both for the primary outgrowth from trypsinized monkey kidney and for the colour test itself, the simple lactalbumin hydrolysate medium is used. Panels are sealed with a paraffin oil of high viscosity.