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101
Contact re-examinations and Mantoux testing is responsible for an increase in the number
of attendances, but this special work may not necessarily be repeated on the same scale in the
following year.
It is again satisfactory to note that the co-operation of medical practitioners, and medical
officers in all other departments of State services has been very well maintained—no less than 426
out of a total of 552 new cases being directly referred by them to the Dispensary.
X-Ray Examinations.
As in previous years, these are carried out at Brompton Hospital under the usual arrangements,
421 being recommended during the year.
In addition it should be pointed out that a large number of patients are X-rayed whilst in
Fulham Hospital. These are carried out under the L.C.C., the films remaining in the Hospital.
Home Visiting, Supervision and Contact Examinations.
The Dispensary Staff has made 4,425 visits during the year, of which number 466 were made
by the Tuberculosis Officer, including visits to patients in Institutions for consultations or examination,
and to homes for the purpose of supervision.
Appointments for examination of Contacts are frequently arranged by the Tuberculosis
Health Visitors at these home visits, the contacts being advised to attend the Dispensary at the
appropriate Clinic hours.
It is to the credit of the nursing staff that so many do come up, though many young people
prefer to trust to luck, if they are not actually scared to come. If, however, they have once
attended, it is usually not difficult to secure re-attendance for future examination either through
the panel doctor or at the Dispensary and this is invariably advised.
Special Diagnostic Tests.
As explained before, Mantoux "Tuberculin" tests are carried out to establish the fact of
tuberculous infection. Except in certain rather rare circumstances a negative reaction to all tests
definitely rules out the possibility of tuberculous infection having been acquired previously, and it
is therefore a very useful aid in excluding tuberculosis in some otherwise doubtful cases in children.