B.C.G. vaccination : medical memorandum / Ministry of Health, Scottish Home and Health Department.

  • Great Britain. Ministry of Health.
Date:
[1964]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: B.C.G. vaccination : medical memorandum / Ministry of Health, Scottish Home and Health Department. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Memo. 322/B.C.G. (Revised 1964) MINISTRY OF HEALTH SCOTTISH HOME AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT B.C.G. VACCINATION MEDICAL MEMORANDUM This memorandum replaces Memo. 332/B.C.G. (Revised 1958) which is now cancelled. Particular reference is made to (1) the technique of tuberculin testing; (2) the type of vaccine; (3) the stability of the vaccine; (4) the distribu- tion of the vaccine; (5) the groups to be vaccinated ; (6) technique of vaccination; (7) details concerning the vaccination programme; (8) complications; and (9) record keeping. (1) Technique of Tuberculin Testing (a) The Tuberculin. In order to procure uniformity of results it is desirable to use the official supply of preparations of a purified protein derivative (P.P.D.) prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which are obtainable free of charge by application on Form B.C.G. 7 (Revised) to the appropriate supply department. In England and Wales applications should be sent to the Ministry of Health, Supply Division S2B, 14, Russell Square, London, W.C.1. and in Scotland to the Infusion Fluids Laboratory, 112, Ingram Street, Glasgow, C.1. Deliveries will be made direct by the Ministry’s contractor. The P.P.D. preparations suitable for Mantoux Test are those dilutions that provide the equivalent of 1 Tuberculin Unit in a dose of 0-1 ml or the equivalent of 10 Tuberculin Units in a dose of 0-1 ml. (These dilutions are sometimes referred to as the 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 1,000 dilutions). Diluted tuberculin preparations have a relatively short life and neither of the above strengths of P.P.D. should be used later than three weeks from the date of preparation (clearly marked on the back of each carton of ampoules). There is a special dilution of P.P.D. issued for the ‘multiple puncture’ test. This is supplied in bottles of 1 ml. in cartons labelled “For Multiple Puncture Test Only’. This P.P.D. contains the equivalent of 100,000 units of Old Tuberculin in 1 ml. It is sometimes referred to as “‘2mg/ml’’. A 1 ml. bottle of this material should suffice for 50 to 100 tests. This strength of P.P.D. is a relatively stable product with a life of one year. Once a container of any P.P.D. preparation is opened the contents should be used without delay and at the end of a session any surplus remaining must be discarded. AJ] P.P.D. tuberculin, irrespective of strength, should be stored in the dark at 2° to 4°C. (b) The Test (i) The Intradermal Test (Mantoux Test) In carrying out the test an area of skin, usually over the upper third of the flexor surface of the forearm, is cleaned with spirit and 0-1 ml.