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52
Examination of Sputa.— Specimens of sputa from
patients suspected of suffering from Tuberculosis were
examined, with the following result:—
From local Medical Practitioners—
Tubercle bacilli present 49
Tubercle bacilli not found 152
From School Medical Officer—
Tubercle bacilli present —
Tubercle bacilli not found 4
From Isolation Hospital—
Tubercle bacilli present 6
Tubercle bacilli not found 4
Two were also examined for the Tuberculosis officer with
positive results.
A considerable amount of time and care has been devoted
to the examination of sputa that give a negative result on
direct examination. In a few cases the Tuberculosis
organism has been found by the method of concentration
described in the last annual report. It is doubtful whether
the time and trouble entailed are justified bv the results,
unless corresponding care is exercised by the doctor in obtaining
good samples of sputum free from saliva. It is far more
satisfactory to examine a few streaks of genuine sputum than
a large quantity mixed with saliva, food debris and nasal
mucus. The sputum that has collected at the back of the
throat during the night and is coughed up first thing is the
most valuable for diagnosis.