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BARBITONE CFT DILUENT TABLETS

Code: BR0016

Directions
Dissolve 1 tablet in 100ml of warm distilled water.

Description
Complement fixation tests are extensively employed in the diagnosis of many different diseases, including infections due to viruses as well as bacteria.
These tablets are intended for the simple and convenient preparation of the special diluent for use in complement fixation tests. This diluent, a modification of that described by Whillans¹, is similar to the diluent employed by Mayer et al². It is superior to the physiological saline formerly used because it contains calcium and magnesium, and is of the correct pH for optimum results.
Mayer et al.² investigated the effect of cations on the haemolytic function of complement, by the addition of a number of substances to the veronal buffered saline base. They were able to conclude:
i Some divalent cations, especially Mg⁺⁺, are essential for the haemolytic action of complement.
ii The haemolytic system does not contain sufficient Mg⁺⁺ for optimal haemolytic activity, so that a marked enhancement can be obtained by the addition of extra Mg⁺⁺. The enhancing effect of tissue fluids can be ascribed to their contribution of Mg⁺⁺.
iii The anticomplementary effect of some substances can be overcome by the addition of extra Mg⁺⁺.
iv Ca++ may also be essential to the haemolytic process but its action is much less pronounced than that of Mg⁺⁺.
The use of Oxoid Complement Fixation Test Diluent Tablets in a description of complement fixation tests for virus diseases was recommended^3,4.

Precaution
Barbitone is a registered narcotic drug and subject to control regulations on transport, storage and records. See Hazchem precaution.

References
1 Whillans D. (1950) J. Clin. Path. 3. 57.
2 Mayer M. M. et al (1946) J. Exp. Med. 84. 535-548.
3 Bradstreet C. M. Patricia and Taylor C. E. D. (1962) Mon. Bull. Min. Hlth Pub. Hlth Lab. Serv. 21. 96-104.
4 Fulton F. and Dumbell K. R. (1949) J. Gen. Microbiol. 3. 97.