Abstract
Our previous publications (1) upon the Wassermann reaction have dealt chiefly with the technique of the test. We have called attention to two important sources of error that attach to the use of the isolated organ lipoids (Noguchi) as “antigen.” These were: first, the non-specific or “pseudo-reaction” that is sometimes obtained with the originally prescribed quantity of “antigen” when the serum to be tested has not been heated; and secondly, the prezone phenomenon of wanting or weak reaction, which sometimes occurs with positively reacting sera where the larger quantities of the lipoid emulsion are used.
In a subsequent larger series of examinations we have not only confirmed those observations, but, through our association with Dr. E. L. Keyes and with the generous assistance of Dr. D. W. MacKenzie, Dr. B. S. Barringer and Dr. J. D. Kernan, Jr., we have been able, also, to reach a definite conclusion as to the relative clinical efficiency of our technical method in the diagnosis of syphilis.
