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74
RINGWORM.
The number of specimens examined for the presence of this
parasite amounted to 27, of this number 5 were from patients in the
Hospital. Of the total examinations 17 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 discharges for actinomyces,
streptothrix, and anthrax; 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 require careful preparation. 2,489 Diphtheria,
336 Tuberculosis, 100 Enteric—Total 2,925 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. 679 dozen tubes of blood serum were prepared in
1910.
1'he material prepared in this way during 1910, if reckoned at
the commercial price, viz., 3s. 6d. per dozen tubes, would have cost
£118 16s. 6d. In this way a great saving is made in the working
expenses of the laboratory.