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.
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
Sharp metal point with cork topper in a glass tube cover from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Glass test tube with rubber teat and glass and cotton wool from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Silver screw top container with lid for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Three glass slides adhered to plastic grey case made by Hawksley, London from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Glass tube with gold screw top from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Glass tube with silver screw top from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Plastic container for glass slides from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
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, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
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, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
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, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
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, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Public Health Laboratory Service form from smallpox diagnosis kit
Typed paper titled ‘Virus Reference Laboratory’ listing contents of a smallpox diagnosis kit with advice on how to collect samples and what information to collect when sending a sample from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Paper information sheet from smallpox diagnosis kit
Yellow paper with typed advice about replacement parts for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, from smallpox diagnosis kit
Unfilled out typed application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, form PHSL 1a, to be completed when sending a sample from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Cardboard box for sending by post one 8 ounce jar from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979
Cardboard box for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979