Simultaneous detection of reverse transcriptase and high molecular weight RNA unique to oncogenic RNA viruses.

The simultaneous assay of the reverse transcriptase and 60S to 70S RNA of oncogenic RNA viruses is described. The virus can be detected at low concentrations in biological fluids containing enzymatically active cell fragments or other contaminants. The fact that two features diagnostic of the oncornaviruses are used in the tests increases the certainty with which a positive outcome can be interpreted.