A new, direct, enzyme immunoassay test (Adenoclone, Cambridge BioScience, Hopkinton, MA) was evaluated for the rapid diagnosis of ocular adenovirus infections. In 36 culture-proven cases of adenovirus ocular infection, direct Adenoclone testing of conjunctival swabs was positive in 24 of 31 patients (77%) tested within 1 week of onset of symptoms, and in one of five patients (20%) who presented after 1 week (P less than 0.02). Overall sensitivity was 69%, whereas specificity was 100%. The authors conclude that a positive Adenoclone test is reliable in the rapid diagnosis of early adenovirus ocular infections.