Treponema pallidum Serology

Description: 
Serology tests for diagnosis, confirmation and monitoring of Treponema pallidum infection.

A CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) is the screening test. Confirmatory tests are made with an additional qualitiative EIA and/or a specific particle agglutination test (TPPA). All new and past CMIA positives are tested for Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR).
Clinical details: 
All suspected cases should be discussed with a sexual health specialist.


Synonyms or keywords: 
Chancre, RPR, VDRL, TPPA, TPHA, Spirochete, Treponemal
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum) or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile universal container with no additives.
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 25/11/2017