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195
BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
At the Bacteriological Laboratory during 1912, 1,177
examinations were carried out as compared with a yearly
average for the decennium 1902-11 (Borough) of 843.2.
The local and central position of the Laboratory at Wanless
Road is advantageous, enabling the results of examinations
to be quickly obtained at a minimum cost.
The Laboratory was originally fitted up by the late
Vestry in 1899, and since then (up to the end of 1912)
*10,687 examinations have been made, viz.:—Tuberculosis
2907, typhoid fever 898, diphtheria 6,701, and others 181.
The total 1,177 bacteriological examinations carried out
during 1912 deal with 601 sputa (suspected consumption),
57 bloods (suspected typhoid fever), 497 throat and nose
membranes and discharges (suspected diphtheria) and 22
other materials, e.g., hairs (2), pus (11), urine (9).
Details are as follow:
Tuberculosis—
601 samples of sputa from doubtful tuberculosis cases
were examined, and in 296 (i.e., 49.2 per cent.) tubercle
bacilli were found.
Pneumococci were isolated in four samples. Pulmonarv
consumption (with tuberculous expectorations) was made
voluntarily notifiable throughout the Borough of Lambeth
on (and after) June 1st, 1902, and pulmonarv consumption
compulsorily notifiable under the Public Health (Tuberculosis)
Poor Law Regulations, 1908, on and after Januarv
1st, 1909, under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) in
Hospitals) Regulations, 1911, on and after May 1st, 1911,
and under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations,
1911, on and after January 1st, 1912. By means of
*1889—389; 1900—703; 1901-479; 1902—466; 1903—525; 1904—447;
1905—1874; 1906-761; 1907-786; 1908—718; 1909-781; 1910—605;
1911—976; 1912—1177; Total-10687.