Novel H1N1 infl uenza virus detection can also be achieved by inoculating the clinical specimen on MDCK cells for virus isolation with subsequent characterization by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition tests using monospecifi c antiserum. Although the cell culture method is sensitive, it requires viable virus, needs expertise and at least 6-8 days to grow the virus to a level where cells are examined for cytopathic effect (CPE). Virus isolation is not only labor-intensive it is timeconsuming also and requires a week for declaring a sample positive or negative hence not appropriate for an epidemic situation.