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Effect of centrifuging shell vials at 3,500 x g on detection of viruses in clinical specimens

H D Engler1, S T Selepak

  • 1Clinical Pathology Department, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0001.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Increasing centrifugation force to 3,500 x g for 15 minutes maintains virus detection sensitivity in clinical specimens. This optimized method also reduces cell monolayer toxicity, improving diagnostic efficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Diagnostic Microbiology

Background:

  • Conventional shell vial centrifugation for virus detection uses 700 x g for 40 minutes.
  • Optimizing centrifugation parameters may enhance diagnostic efficiency and reduce cell toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of increased centrifugation force and reduced spin time on viral detection sensitivity.
  • To assess potential damage or toxicity to the cell monolayer (ML) under modified centrifugation conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical specimens were centrifuged at 3,500 x g for 15 minutes.
  • Viral detection sensitivity was compared to the standard method (700 x g for 40 minutes).
  • Cell monolayer integrity and toxicity were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Increased centrifugation force (3,500 x g) and reduced spin time (15 min) did not decrease virus detection sensitivity.
  • No cell monolayer damage was observed at the higher g-force.
  • Shorter spin times potentially decreased cell monolayer toxicity due to reduced specimen contact time.

Conclusions:

  • Optimized shell vial centrifugation parameters (3,500 x g for 15 min) are effective for virus detection.
  • The modified method maintains diagnostic sensitivity while potentially improving cell viability.
  • This approach offers a more efficient alternative for viral diagnostic assays.

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