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A systematic effort has been made since March, 1906, in the laboratory of the Babies' Hospital, to determine the presence of tubercle bacilli in the cerebrospinal fluid in cases of tuberculous meningitis. One hundred and thirty-eight patients have been admitted to the wards of the hospital since that time, but fluids for examination were obtained from 137 only. In all but two, tubercle bacilli were demonstrated in the cerebrospinal fluid. The technic which was followed in demonstrating the bacilli has given such satisfactory results that it is herewith given in detail.
TECHNIC
The cerebrospinal fluid is collected in several test tubes, allowing about 20 c.c. to a tube. The last fluid withdrawn after the child has been raised to the sitting posture is considered the most important, as the bacilli are usually found more readily in this. Care must be taken not to shake the tubes. It has been found