NEW TECHNIC FOR THE FLOCCULATION TEST OF SYPHILIS

Abstract

The various modifications of the original Sachs-Georgi precipitation test of syphilis have dealt with the preparation of antigen, the technic used, or both. One thing has become evident, however, and that is the use of concentrated but freshly diluted antigen. Kahn's preparation of antigen and modification of technic used in performing the reaction have gone far to show that the flocculation test may eventually replace the difficult complement fixation procedure of Wassermann. The technic I have evolved takes advantage of Kahn's antigen, but the reaction gives decided, clear flocculation results. <h3>TECHNIC</h3> The clear serum is inactivated at 56 C. for half an hour. One-tenth c.c. of serum is diluted with 0.9 c.c. of physiologic sodium chlorid solution (0.8 per cent.). At the bottom of a clean, dry, one-fourth by 4 inch test tube made of nonsoluble glass is put 0.05 c.c. of pure cholesterinized antigen (not diluted), and to this