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DEPARTMENT OF THE

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
TOPEKA

January 20, 1940

Dear Doctor:

The Stete Board of Health, on November 22, 1939, passed a new regulation con-
cerning the work of the laboratory, a cozy cf which is enclosed. You will note
that the indigent. statenent formerly required on all blood snvecinens sent in for
the serodiagnosis of syphilis has been abolished and from now on the physician must
certify that it will be difficult or impossible for the patient to vay for having
this examination made. This not only applies to specimens for the diasnosis of
syphilis, but also to all other examinations, with the exception of tuberculosis.e.
Also, the vresent ruling does away with free Wassermenns on pregnant women and from
now on they must come under the same category as other pationts.e

Enclosed is a cony of the statute passed by the legislature in 1909 on the
frec diagnosis of tuberculosis. Attontion is called to this statute which requires
the laboratory to make cxamination of sputum from persons suspected of having
tuberculosis, whether it is sent in by a physician or individual. Also a report
must be given to cither on request. As you will note this just covers tubcrculosis..

I am sorry to inform you that under the now resolution all specimens mailed to
the laboratory must be sent FIRST CLASS NAIL duc to the certifying statement appcar=
ing on the "Data Blank". Previously, under the Postal Laws and Regulations,

Sec, 589, Par. 4, tho specimens could be sent Parcel Post rates, but would be pouch-
ed with letter mail. Please note the changes in postage ratos.

 

hic. cle ear era ete eer in 0

I would also like to call your attention to the following quotation from the

"Lows, Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Lealth"..

"4susc of Outfits - Specimen outfits aro distributed by the Statc Board
of Hoalth solely for usc in sendins specimens to the Public Hoalth
Laboratory. Their usc in submitting specimens to privete laboretorics

or for any other purpose then thet specificd constitutes a misuse of state

property."

 

4

Our loss of outfits is very large and it would be appreciated if you will help
us reduce the expense of purchasing so many new OnCS.e.

For your information as to the type of work done free by your laboratories,
I would like to quote the following: