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138
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. These examinations are also
useful in avoiding undue delay in reaching a definite diagnosis and
in assessing the progress of cases already under treatment.
Without a good X-ray plate, properly 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, however, must be well made and accurately interpreted or
they become a source of diagnostic errors.
258 X-ray examinations were made during the year. This is
equivalent to 30.4 for every TOO new cases and contacts seen, and
compares with a rate of 22.6 for every 100 new cases and contacts
seen in 1932, and 21.4 per 100 new cases and contacts seen in 1931.
In addition a certain number of cases who have already been
examined at various Hospitals are referred to the Clinic. There
were also a number of new cases examined in Mayday Hospital
whose X-ray examinations are not counted.
Extra Nourishment.
Provision of special nourishment in the form of milk was
granted to a number of selected cases for varying periods.