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74
RINGWORM.
The number of specimens examined for the presence of this
parasite amounted to 20, of this number 8 were from patients in the
Hospital, Of the total examinations 14 showed the presence of
ringworm spores or mycelium and the majority were of the small
spore variety. The number of specimens now examined at the
laboratory is not so great as formerly, many other specimens being
now examined at the Town Hall.
MISCELLANEOUS EXAMINATIONS.
Various other bacteriological and microscopical examinations
were made during the year. These included the examinations of a
large number of specimens of urine; of faucial exudation for
leptothrix; of brain tissue for meningo-coccus; of sputum for
pneumo-coccus; and strepto-coccus; and of various other specimens
of blood and morbid fluids.
PREPARATION OF MATERIAL
In addition to the actual examinations of specimens much time
has been occupied in the preparation of material needed for bacteriological
work. Thus suitable "outfits" for the transmission of
specimens to the laboratory in accordance with the requirements of
the Postmaster General required careful preparation. 3089 Diphtheria,
292 Tuberculosis, 124 Enteric—Total 3505, of these "outfits"
were supplied during the year for use by the Public Health staff and
the medical men of the borough.
The making of serum culture media commenced in 1906 for use
in the laboratory has been continued this year. The blood is
obtained from the Public Slaughter House and prepared for use by
the laboratory attendant (E. Hasler) under the direction of the
medical officers. 934 dozen tubes of blood serum were prepared in
1909.
The material prepared in this way during 1909 if reckoned at the
commercial price, viz., 3s. 6d. per dozen tubes, would have cost
£163 9s. 0d. In this way a great saving is made in the working
expenses of the laboratory.