138 
BACTERIOLOGY. 
skin is again washed with ether. A bandage or piece 
of rubber tubing is placed somewhat above the elbow, 
and tight enough to cause the veins to stand out so 
that they can be more readily punctured. The blood is 
drawn into a sterile glass syringe and introduced 
directly into the culture media. 
Specimens of spinal fluid should be delivered to 
the laboratory as quickly as possible in order that the 
leucocytes, which degenerate quickly may be counted. 
Fluid aspirated from the chest, joints, or peri¬ 
toneal cavity should be well shaken to prevent the 
fluid from clotting. 
