The initial incentive for in-depth study of Simian Virus 40 biology originated from the revelation of public health implications its use had in the 1960s. SV40 gained notoriety at this time when it was found to be a contaminant of polio and adenovirus vaccines that had been distributed to millions of healthy individuals worldwide. SV40 Protocols presents a consolidation of numerous well-tested step-by-step techniques from experts with hands-on experience. The book is organized in two sections. The first relates to assays of the lytic cycle of the virus, starting with a valuable introductory chapter on basic techniques for growth of SV40 and its mutants in tissue culture. Techniques for the growth and detection of two SV40-related human viruses, BKV and JCV, are also presented for those involved in clinical research. The second section begins with detailed biological assays of neoplastic transformation that are applicable to any system. All of the detailed and thorough chapters include discussions of problems and pitfalls that may be encountered, as well as troubleshooting advice. This comprehensive volume of optimzied experimental protocols will assist the beginner, as well as more experience researchers, to over come problems of ambiguity often present in SV40 literature.