Diphtheria specimen test kit

Made:
1931-1950 in Wakefield
maker:
Public Health Laboratory Service
Diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century

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Diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century

The Public Health Laboratory Service issued this kit. It contains a test tube for a blood sample and two glass slides for use under a microscope. The kit tested for diphtheria. This sometimes fatal respiratory disease causes difficulty in breathing and swallowing due to excessive swelling of the throat. It was a major cause of death in the 1800s and early 1900s, especially among children. Improvements in treatment and the development of a vaccine saw a significant decline in mortality from the 1920s.

A pre-addressed letter is also in the box. This blank form held details such as date, address, pre-existing medical conditions and the names of the patient and doctor. The form is addressed to the Pathology Department of The Royal Infirmary, Bradford.

Details

Category:
Clinical Diagnosis
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A608081
Materials:
case, cardboard, specimen bottle, glass, stopper, rubber, crystals, oxalate and microscope slides, glass
Measurements:
overall: 25 mm x 160 mm x 57 mm,
type:
diagnostic specimen kit
credit:
Wellcome Medical Division

Parts

Diphtheria specimen test kit box

Diphtheria specimen test kit box

Base to cardboard box for diphtheria specimen test kit. cotton wool lining. British, mid 20th century

Measurements:
overall: 21 mm x 157 mm x 52 mm,
Materials:
cardboard and metal (unknown)
Object Number:
A608081/1
type:
packaging
Diphtheria specimen test kit box lid

Diphtheria specimen test kit box lid

Lid to cardboard box for diphtheria specimen test kit. British, mid 20th century

Measurements:
overall: 20 mm x 160 mm x 58 mm,
Materials:
cardboard , metal (unknown) and cotton (textile)
Object Number:
A608081/2
type:
packaging
Oxalate, part of diptheria testing kit

Oxalate, part of diptheria testing kit

Glass vessel containing small salt-like substance referred to as oxalate on the label. Label reads: ' Contains oxalate for 5.10 C,C, of blood. Suitable for chemical investigations with exception of blood calcium estimation. Shake well to disolve.' Part of diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century

Measurements:
overall: 13 mm x 140 mm x 13 mm,
Materials:
glass , rubber (unidentified) , paper (fibre product) and oxalic acid
Object Number:
A608081/3
type:
diagnostic specimen kit
Glass slide from diptheria testing kit

Glass slide from diptheria testing kit

Glass slide from diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century

Measurements:
overall: 2 mm x 76 mm x 26 mm,
Materials:
glass
Object Number:
A608081/4
type:
diagnostic specimen kit
Glass slide from diptheria testing kit

Glass slide from diptheria testing kit

Glass slide from diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century

Measurements:
overall: 2 mm x 77 mm x 24 mm,
Materials:
glass
Object Number:
A608081/5
type:
diagnostic specimen kit
Pathology form from diptheria testing kit

Pathology form from diptheria testing kit

Folded pathalogical department form for diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century.

Materials:
paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
A608081/6
type:
diagnostic specimen kit
Application Form for Bacteriological Examination. Part of diphtheria specimen test kit

Application Form for Bacteriological Examination. Part of diphtheria specimen test kit

Application Form for Bacteriological Examination. Part of diphtheria specimen test kit, British, mid 20th century.

Measurements:
overall: 1 mm x 158 mm x 253 mm,
Materials:
paper (fibre product)
Object Number:
A608081/7
type:
application form