Test Details
Methodology
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test detects antibodies to Treponema pallidum and can be used in conjunction with a nontreponemal assay to aid in the diagnosis of syphilis infection. This test is not recommended as a stand-alone test for general screening purposes for syphilis, nor should it be used to evaluate response to therapy. To screen for and diagnose syphilis infection, a reflex cascade that includes both RPR and a treponemal-specific assay should be utilized per current guidelines.
Limitations
Treponemal antibodies typically persist for life despite treatment; thus, this assay cannot be used to monitor response to treatment or to assess treatment outcomes. False positive treponemal antibody results have been observed in individuals with nonsyphilis treponemal infections (bejel, pinta, yaws).
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; lipemia; gross bacterial contamination; plasma specimen
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 082370 | Treponema pallidum Antibodies | 47236-5 | 082372 | Treponema pallidum Antibodies | 47236-5 | |
| Order Code | 082370 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Treponema pallidum Antibodies | |||||
| Order Loinc | 47236-5 | |||||
| Result Code | 082372 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Treponema pallidum Antibodies | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 47236-5 |