WASSERMANN AND OTHER COMPLEMENT FIXATION TESTS 



231 



The rabbit is then allowed to rest for 10 days, during which time he develops 

 specific antibodies for red blood cells, such as were injected. When sensitized 

 the rabbit is anesthetized with ether and bled by one of the following methods: 



First. By touch locate the heart, thrust a sterile needle into it and with a 



FIG. 40. WITHDRAWING BLOOD FROM THE HEART OF AN ANESTHETIZED RABBIT. 



IQ-CC. Luer syringe withdraw 30 cc. of blood (Fig. 40). Transfer the blood from 

 the syringe into a sterile Petri dish. Inject 30 cc. of warm normal salt solution 

 into the rabbit's peritoneal cavity (Fig. 41). 



Second. Incise the skin at the tip of the sternum with a pair of scissors, one 

 blade of which has a blunt end and the other a pointed end. Elevate the skin 

 and thrust the blunt end of the scissors into the incision, pushing it in the median 



