Dilution of antigen for Wassermann test

Abstract

In the previous communication, the author described a method for preparing antigen for the Kahn Precipitation Test and showed (Procedure II) that the sediment formed on mixing and centrifuging equal quantities of antigen and salt solution may be redissolved in salt solution and employed in the above test for syphilis. The question came up whether the same sediment taken up in salt solution may not be used as an antigen in the Wassermann test and the following experiments were carried out accordingly.A cholesterinized extract regularly used in the Wasserman test in a dilution of 1: 70 with salt solution was employed. One c.c. of this extract was measured into a small tube and one c.c. of salt solution added to it. This was mixed and centrifuged, after which the supernatant fluid was poured off and the sediment suspended in 70 c.c. salt solution. This mixture was tested for anti-complementary, haemolytic and antigenic properties side by side with a suspension prepared by slowly adding 70 c.c. saline to 1 c.c...