Schick Test
In 1913 Bela Schick developed a test to determine if a person had developed some immunity to diphtheria after having been exposed to those bacteria. Schick believed the injection of a very small amount of diphtheria toxin under the skin would produce a reddening and slight swelling of the site. This is a positive reaction and confirms that the patient had not previously been exposed to diphtheria. A negative reaction, based on a lack of reddening of the area, indicated that the patient had previously been exposed to diphtheria an d therefore had immunity to it. A negative reaction eliminated the need for treatment for diphtheria if a household contact or schoolmate developed the disease. After Schick left his native Europe and came to New York in 1923 he encouraged the use of his test throughout the city. At that point, immunization was available for those who had not been exposed to diphtheria.
"National Museum of Health and Medicine ." TO BIND UP THE NATION'S WOUNDS TRAUMA AND SURGERY. National Museum of Health and Medicine, nd. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicalmuseum.mil/index.cfm?p=exhibits.nationswounds.page_02>.
"National Museum of Health and Medicine ." TO BIND UP THE NATION'S WOUNDS TRAUMA AND SURGERY. National Museum of Health and Medicine, nd. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicalmuseum.mil/index.cfm?p=exhibits.nationswounds.page_02>.