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129
For each 100 new cases and contacts examined at the
Clinic 105 specimens of sputum were examined.
The 767 examinations include a considerable number from
the Croydon General Hospital, in addition to those sent in by
General Practitioners.
1932, however, shows a slight decrease in the number of
examinations of sputa made for General Practitioners. It is difficult
to understand why this simple test is not always made in any
doubtful chest condition.
Too much reliance should not be placed upon one negative
sputum examination. In any case in which it is considered
advisable to have the sputum examined, at least three specimens
should be submitted if the result is returned as negative.
X-ray Work.
A greater number of doubtful and difficult cases were sent for
radiological examination than in previous years. By this means
the number of beds necessary for the observation of such cases has
been reduced and cases of Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary tumour, etc.,
were discovered which otherwise would have been classed as suffering
from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
One well known authority on tuberculosis states that without
a good X-Eay plate, well interpreted, suspected tuberculosis can
never be ruled out. Ordinary physical examination can find tuberculosis,
but it cannot, except rarely, find early tuberculosis. It
cannot demonstrate pathological changes and cannot follow
accurately the progress of disease or of healing. X-Ray plates
must be well made and accurately interpreted or they become a
source of diagnostic errors.
230 X-Ray examinations were made during the year. This is
equivalent to 22.6 for every 100 new cases and contacts seen, and
compares with a rate of 21.4 per 100 new cases and contacts seen
in 1931.
Extra Nourishment.
Provision of special nourishment in the form of milk was
granted to a number of selected cases for varying periods.