A Comparative Study of Different Methods of Performing the Wassermann Test for Syphilis Free

In a group of 110 syphilitic individuals in various stages of the disease, the cholesterin-reinforced antigen with incubation at 37°C. gave 58.2 per cent, the simple antigen at 37°C., 32.2 per cent, and the simple antigen at 8°C., 77.1 per cent of positive tests.

In a group of 43 patients, probably syphilitic, the first method yielded 65.9 per cent, the second 36.3 per cent and the third method 75.0 per cent of positive fixations.

In a group of 59 patients, probably not syphilitic, the first method yielded 40.0 per cent, the second 1.6 per cent and the third 5.0 per cent of positive tests.

In a group of 265 non-syphilitic patients, tests by all methods were negative throughout.