Miniature cell culture systems for use in field isolation of viruses: cell stability and sensitivity to selected laboratory-propagated viruses during storage in miniaturized environments.

Cell cultures were miniaturized in 1-dr vials or in capillary tubes (100 by 3 mm) and examined for their capacity to maintain normal gross morphology and sensitivity to infection by viruses during storage under a variety of conditions. The purpose of these studies was to determine the feasibility of using such cultures in the field during epidemiological investigations. From the results of this work it was concluded that such a feasibility exists.