Retention of fluorescent antigenicity of virus-infected cells on spotslides under various conditions of storage.

Ten well, epoxy-coated spotslides containing arbo- and arenavirus-infected cells were tested as determined by fluorescent methods for the retention of antigenicity after storage in a nitrogen atmosphere at various temperatures and times. In most cases antigen stability was maintained at -70 or -20 degrees C for periods exceeding 1-3 years. Antigen deterioration was greatest at ambient temperature, and less so at 4 degrees C.