Syphilis serology – TPPA, Blood

Department

Microbiology - Serology

Delphic Registration Code

TPHA

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Serum only

Registration

Serum only

Laboratory

Serum only

Synonyms

TPPA

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test Code

2445

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

No of Samples Required

1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred Serum 1 mL

Interpretation

Negative

Positive indicates past or present contact with T. pallidum

Interpret in conjunction with other Syphilis markers (SEIA, RPR)

Syphilis is a Notifiable Disease

Paediatric specimens: Treponemal specific screening not recommended – Refer additional information below.

NOTE: The interpretation of syphilis in neonates requires specialist input as no single test can be used to diagnose congenital syphilis. Passive transfer of maternal antibodies makes interpretation of neonate serology more complex. Specifically, conducting treponemal tests such as TPHA/TPPA and/or SEIA/CLIA screen testing on neonatal serum is not recommended as passively transferred maternal antibodies can persist for >15 months.  For suspected congenital syphilis in neonates, Syphilis IgM and RPR testing is available.

Reference Intervals

Reported as Negative or Positive

Test Method

Particle agglutination

Non-Funded Test Cost

$12.1 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2445

Onset date of illness desirable. Note if previous syphilis positive.

The interpretation of syphilis in neonates requires specialist input as no single test can be used to diagnose congenital syphilis. Passive transfer of maternal antibodies makes interpretation of neonate serology more complex. Specifically, conducting treponemal tests such as TPHA/TPPA and/or SEIA/CLIA screen testing on neonatal serum is not recommended as passively transferred maternal antibodies can persist for >15 months.

Contact Information

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