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grams. The result is that when serial radiograms are required to
enable one to watch the development of a lesion within the chest
—an invaluable aid to the physician in assessing the results of
treatment—it is now possible to repeat them under precisely similar
conditions.
The quality of the radiogram and the exact interpretation of
abnormal shadows seen in a perfect picture are of fundamental
importance, and of no less significance than a complete clinical
examination.
Moreover, a complete radioscopic " screening " examination,
which must precede the taking of a film, and enables us to examine
the chest from several angles, is of the greatest importance, and
in routine contact work may not infrequently obviate the necessity
of a film, with corresponding reduction of expenditure.
From the figures shown it can be readily seen how increasing
use is being made of this valuable aid in diagnosis and treatment.
There is little doubt that year by year increasing use will be
made of this procedure, and no tuberculosis scheme, which fails
to provide full radiological facilities, can be regarded as complete.
Such facilities are encouraged to the full by the Ministry of Health.
It is to be hoped that with the advent of the new Clinic such
modern radiological facilities will be available for the large number
of patients passing through our hands.
Examination of Sputum in Diagnosis.
These examinations show very progressive signs of increase
in number year by year.
The necessity for the examination of a " valid " sample of
sputum, which shall come from the chest and not from the back
of the throat, is a matter of considerable importance, and printed
instructions are supplied to all patients for supplying such a sample
of sputum. Little reliance can be placed on the results of a single
test, and hence repeated sputum examinations are made including,
where necessary, in addition to the routine test, a concentrated
" antiformin " test; for a sputum may be returned negative on
several occasions and finally prove to be positive.