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153
that nearly every town dweller has been infected with this bacillus by
the time he attains adult age. It will be seen, however, that this test
provides valuable information in the case of children who present
symptoms which might be ascribed to tuberculosis. The younger a
patient with a positive reaction the more importance can be attached to
it. A Mantoux reaction can vary in degree and sometimes may give an
indication of the efficiency or otherwise of the isolation of the infectious
patient in the home.
During the last year the Vollmer Patch Test has also been employed
with very encouraging results. This has the advantage that a needle
puncture is unnecessary and, probably for this reason, has proved quite
popular with the children.
During the year 16 Mantoux and Vollmer Patch Tests have been
carried out.
X-RAY DEPARTMENT.
When the Dispensary moved to the Health Services Department in
August, 1937, the X-Ray plant which was installed in February, 1936,
was transferred to the new building. In the process of reassembling,
the whole apparatus was inspected and was found to be in excellent condition,
and there was no need for any repairs beyond the usual service.
An X-Ray photograph is taken of every case, even if it has been
referred to us already diagnosed and there is no doubt these photographic
records of cases will be of great value in subsequent years when
patients return for Dispensary supervision after sanatorium treatment.
Every adult and adolescent contact is screened and if necessary a
confirmatory photograph is taken. Younger children are always X-Rayed
should there be any indication for it.
The progress of patients who are having Artificial Pneumothorax
refills (which will be explained later) is also checked by frequent screen
examination. In fact it would be highly undesirable to carry out this
treatment at the Dispensary without convenient access to an X-Ray plant.
We have also acquired a small attachment for the existing X-Ray
tube which makes it possible to do Dental X-Ray, and this proves of
considerable help to the Dental Officer.
1,288 patients have been screened and 852 photographs taken during
the year.