Three tuberculin syringes in glass tubes, Europe, 1950-1990

Made:
1950-1990 in Europe
supplier:
Rocket of London Limited
maker:
Everett Medical
x4 Tuberculin all-glass syringes

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x4 Tuberculin all-glass syringes
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

x4 Tuberculin all-glass syringes

Stored in glass tubes to keep the needles germ free and protect handlers from the sharp points, these syringes would be used to inject tuberculin into the skin. Tuberculin is used to see whether a person has been exposed to or has immunity to tuberculosis. This particular tuberculin test is known as the Mantoux test – named after its originator, Charles Mantoux (1877-1947), a French physician.

If after four to seven days the skin shows no reaction, the patient is at risk of contracting the disease and needs to be vaccinated with the BCG vaccine.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Object Number:
1994-784
Materials:
glass and metal
Measurements:
overall: 210 mm 42 mm, .12kg
type:
syringe
credit:
Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences