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102
I would like to place on record my great appreciation of the help given by Miss Robinson in
the preparation of Tuberculin dilutions and carrying out tests and their classification.
It should be pointed out that the consent of parents or guardians is invariably obtained before
commencing the Mantoux Tests—and where consent is refused the tests are not carried out.
No deleterious effects of any description have ever been noticed at the Dispensary as a result
of carrying out these tests.
Bacteriological Tests.
Miss Robinson has carried out 1,533 examinations of sputum, etc., for Tubercle Bacilli, in
addition to bacteriological work for the Public Health and other Departments. The work in the
Borough Laboratory has increased very considerably during the past few years, and includes important
and highly technical investigations which are summarised in Section II.
Examinations for Tubercle Bacilli in Laboratory:—
Number of Sputa Examinations 1,506 (307+ : 1,199—)
Number of Urine Examinations 18 (4+ : 14—)
Number of Faeces Cultural Examinations
9 (0+ : 9—)
Treatment of Tuberculosis.
Sanatorium still remains the best general form of treatment for tuberculosis patients and
forms the basis of all treatment, surgical or otherwise.
The chief aims of Sanatorium treatment lie in the rebuilding of lost resistance, control of
intercurrent disease, consolidation of "repair" to the system, and education for future life. All
these are closely connected and equally important; but a great deal indeed depends on the temperament
and co-operation of the patient. A well-known physician once said "You cannot cure a fool
of Tuberculosis," and no doubt this has been proved over and over again.
The total number of patients recommended for treatment in Sanatoria or other institutions
through the L.C.C. was 118; in addition seven children were boarded out by them under the Contact
Scheme. Altogether 164 patients or contacts have been sent away either to Sanatoria, hospitals
or convalescent homes during the year.
Various specialised treatments have been arranged by the Dispensary during the year, as the
following list shows:—
Special Treatments:—
687 Artificial pneumo-thorax refills at a cost of £360 13 6
60 Finsen Light treatments „ „ „ „ 15 0 0
45 Sanacrysin treatments „ „ „ „ 5 15 0
23 Ultra Violet Light treatments „ „ „ „2 17 6
815 treatments at a total cost of £385 6 0
Tuberculous Children.
It is generally accepted that primary infection with the Tubercle Bacillus occurs in the
majority of children during the first few years of life—a fact which is well demonstrated by the results
of Mantoux testing.