Smallpox diagnosis kit, London, 1970-1979
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Smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970s'.
Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.
The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.
Details
- Category:
- Public Health & Hygiene
- Object Number:
- 1996-406
- Measurements:
-
slide box: 10 mm x 83 mm x 39 mm,
slide container: 88 mm x 30 mm x 17 mm,
glass container, gold lid: 85 mm 30 mm,
vial with rubber teat: 75 mm 12 mm,
vial for needle: 85 mm 13 mm,
metal container: 119 mm 63 mm,
glass container, silver lid: 51 mm 22 mm,
yellow slip: 104 mm x 74 mm
application form: 209 mm x 149 mm
instructions: 252 mm x 203 mm
overall weight: .22kg
- type:
- diagnosis kit
- credit:
- Public Health Laboratory Service
Parts
Test tube from smallpox diagnosis kit
- Materials:
- glass , rubber (unidentified) and cotton (fibre)
- Object Number:
- 1996-406/2
- type:
- test tube
Screw-top container from smallpox diagnosis kit
Glass slides from smallpox diagnosis kit
Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit
Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit
Container for slides, from smallpox diagnosis kit
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox
Public Health Laboratory Service form from smallpox diagnosis kit
Paper information sheet from smallpox diagnosis kit
Application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, from smallpox diagnosis kit
Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit
- Object Number:
- 1996-406/15
- type:
- diagnosis kit
Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit
- Object Number:
- 1996-406/16
- type:
- box - container
