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Treponema pallidum Antibody (Syphilis, no VDRL reflex)

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Test Description
  • Contact: Serology (319) 335-4291
  • Test Request Form: Serology/Immunology
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 1032
This Treponemal assay is for the qualitative determination of total antibodies to Treponema pallidum. It is to be ordered for confirmation of a non-treponemal test performed by the submitter. In conjuction with non-treponemal laboratory tests and clinical findings, it may aid in the diagnosis of syphilis infection.
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M - F
3 - 5 business days Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) - DiaSorin
Fee CPT Code(s)
$25.64 86780
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Minimum 1 mL Serum
Collection Instructions: Blood should be collected aseptically by venipuncture, allowed to clot, and the serum separated from the clot as soon as possible.

Red Top Tube: centrifuge and transfer serum to a secondary tube
    Serum Separator Tube: collect 4 - 6 mL and centrifuge
      Shipping:
      Specimens should be stored and shipped under the same conditions. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location.
      Temperature and Stability: Refrigerate (2-8 degrees C); stable for less than 5 days. Freeze (-20 degrees C); stable for more than 5 days.
      Rejection Criteria: Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions:

      Plasma. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic samples as well as samples containing particulate matter or exhibiting obvious microbial contamination should not be tested. Specimens not received in the correct temperature ranges stated under "Temperature and Stability" will be rejected.
      Expected Results:
      Negative, Equivocal, Positive
      Comments
      Acceptable initial screening test for syphilis, as well as for monitoring treatment response in established syphilis. SHL follows the reverse algorithm for syphilis testing, meaning that we begin with a treponemal test, Treponema pallidum Antibody (Syphilis)(Serum). This test is to be ordered for confirmation of a non-treponemal test performed by the submitter and it will NOT be reflexed to the nontreponemal test, Syphilis VDRL (Serum).
      Alternate Names
      Treponemal assay
      The University of Iowa

      State Hygienic Laboratory

      General inquires
      SHL Client Services
      319-335-4500 or 1-800-421-IOWA (4692)
      ask-shl@uiowa.edu

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