Smallpox diagnosis kit, London, 1970-1979

Made:
1970-1979 in London
maker:
Central Public Health Laboratory
Smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970s'.

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Details

Category:
Public Health & Hygiene
Object Number:
1996-406
Materials:
plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, paper and cork
Measurements:
slide box: 10 mm x 83 mm x 39 mm,
slide container: 88 mm x 30 mm x 17 mm,
glass container, gold lid: 85 mm 30 mm,
vial with rubber teat: 75 mm 12 mm,
vial for needle: 85 mm 13 mm,
metal container: 119 mm 63 mm,
glass container, silver lid: 51 mm 22 mm,
yellow slip: 104 mm x 74 mm
application form: 209 mm x 149 mm
instructions: 252 mm x 203 mm
overall weight: .22kg
type:
diagnosis kit
credit:
Public Health Laboratory Service

Parts

Part of smallpox diagnosis kit

Part of smallpox diagnosis kit

Sharp metal point with cork topper in a glass tube cover from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 85 mm x 13 mm
Materials:
glass , cork and metal
Object Number:
1996-406/1
type:
diagnosis kit
Test tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Test tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass test tube with rubber teat and glass and cotton wool from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 75 mm 12 mm,
Materials:
glass , rubber (unidentified) and cotton (fibre)
Object Number:
1996-406/2
type:
test tube
Screw-top container from smallpox diagnosis kit

Screw-top container from smallpox diagnosis kit

Silver screw top container with lid for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 119 mm x 63 mm
Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
1996-406/3
type:
container - receptacle
Glass slides from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass slides from smallpox diagnosis kit

Three glass slides adhered to plastic grey case made by Hawksley, London from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 10 mm x 83 mm x 39 mm,
Materials:
glass and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
1996-406/4
type:
diagnostic tool
Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass tube with gold screw top from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 85 mm x 30 mm
Materials:
glass and metal
Object Number:
1996-406/5
type:
container - receptacle
Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass tube from smallpox diagnosis kit

Glass tube with silver screw top from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 51 mm x 22 mm
Materials:
glass and metal
Object Number:
1996-406/6
type:
container - receptacle
Container for slides, from smallpox diagnosis kit

Container for slides, from smallpox diagnosis kit

Plastic container for glass slides from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 88 mm x 30 mm x 17 mm,
Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
1996-406/7
type:
container - receptacle
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
1996-406/8
type:
microscope slide
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
1996-406/9
type:
microscope slide
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
1996-406/10
type:
microscope slide
Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox

Glass slide from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Materials:
glass
Object Number:
1996-406/11
type:
microscope slide
Public Health Laboratory Service form from smallpox diagnosis kit

Public Health Laboratory Service form from smallpox diagnosis kit

Typed paper titled ‘Virus Reference Laboratory’ listing contents of a smallpox diagnosis kit with advice on how to collect samples and what information to collect when sending a sample from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Materials:
paper
Object Number:
1996-406/12
type:
form - document
Paper information sheet from smallpox diagnosis kit

Paper information sheet from smallpox diagnosis kit

Yellow paper with typed advice about replacement parts for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 104 mm x 74 mm
Materials:
paper
Object Number:
1996-406/13
type:
instructions
Application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, from smallpox diagnosis kit

Application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, from smallpox diagnosis kit

Unfilled out typed application form from Public Health Services Laboratory, form PHSL 1a, to be completed when sending a sample from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Measurements:
overall: 209 mm x 149 mm
Materials:
paper
Object Number:
1996-406/14
type:
application form
Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit

Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit

Cardboard box for sending by post one 8 ounce jar from smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Object Number:
1996-406/15
type:
diagnosis kit
Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit

Cardboard box from smallpox diagnosis kit

Cardboard box for smallpox diagnosis kit for collecting samples from suspected British cases of smallpox, for identification at the Central Public Health Laboratory, 1970-1979

More

Early diagnosis of smallpox is one way of helping to prevent the spread of the disease. This kit was used by doctors in general practice surgeries and by school nurses. Samples were taken from skin complaints, including rashes, pustules and scabs which may have been consistent with a stage in the development of smallpox. Any fluid from the skin was collected using the rubber teat and capillary tubes.

The samples were sent by post to the Virus Reference Laboratory at the Central Public Laboratory in London. It could take anywhere between two and 72 hours for the results of any tests to be known.

Object Number:
1996-406/16
type:
box - container
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem

Related Objects

COVID-19 Home Test Kit, 2020

Dual sided sign for Laundry and Public Baths

Duckboard used in a public bathhouse

Brush used for bathing in public bathhouse

Packaging for a box of polio vaccine, England, 1964-1966

Glass vial from the first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK rollout, 4th Jan 2021