Based on the use of two double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-specific monoclonal antibodies the dsRNA Detection Kit allows sensitive and selective detection of dsRNA molecules (larger than 30-40 bp), independent of their nucleotide composition and sequence. The detection is highly specific: dsRNA can be detected in nucleic acid extracts in the presence of 1.000-10.000-fold excess of other nucleic acids. This assay works on the sandwich-ELISA principle and uses the K1 (IgG2a) mouse monoclonal antibody to dsRNA as a catcher antibody. The monoclonal antibody K2 (IgM) is used as the detector antibody.