Method for Determining the Effect of Chemical Antisepsis on Phagocytosis

Abstract

Through the use of an electrically operated rotator, artificially opsonized staphylococci and citrated blood, a method for testing the toxicity of antiseptics is available; the conc. which causes complete inhibition of phagocytosis is the "toxic endpoint" of the compound tested. Iodine (tincture and Lugol''s) gave the best results. Germi-cidal power may also be tested and the relation between the 2 figures may be reported as the "toxicity index.".