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HelpTest Code LAB866 Syphilis Antibody, Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination, Serum
Reporting Name
Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, SUseful For
An aid to resolve discrepant results between screening treponemal and non-treponemal assays
This test is not recommended for general screening purposes for syphilis.
This test should not be used to evaluate response to therapy.
This test is not intended for medical-legal use.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Syphilis Serology Algorithm.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This assay is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for sera testing positive by a screening treponemal assay and negative by rapid plasma reagin (RPR). The results of this assay assist in determining whether the results of a screening treponemal test are truly or falsely positive.
For prenatal syphilis screening, the syphilis IgG test (SYPH1 / Syphilis IgG with Reflex, Enzyme Immunoassay, Serum) is recommended. Testing for IgM-class antibodies to T pallidum should not be performed during routine pregnancy screening.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86780
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TPPA | Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, S | 24312-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 61480 | Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, S | 24312-1 |
Special Instructions
Cautions
Testing by only Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) is not recommended for general screening purposes for syphilis. TP-PA should only be requested when:
1. The results of a treponemal screening test and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) are discordant (eg, syphilis IgG-positive, RPR-negative).
2. A laboratory screens for syphilis using RPR and is in need of a treponemal confirmatory test.
Interpretation of results obtained with the Serodia TP-PA syphilis antibody test must be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical and laboratory findings.
Serodia TP-PA assay is less sensitive than the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test in untreated primary syphilis but compares favorably in all other stages of syphilis.
Serodia TP-PA assay should not be used to evaluate response to therapy since treponemal tests tend to remain reactive following treatment for syphilis.
Serodia TP-PA assay may be reactive in a small percentage (<1%) of normal or healthy persons. These false-positive results are often transient with unknown cause. False-positive results may occur in association with other underlying illnesses.
Serodia TP-PA may be reactive in persons from areas endemic for yaws or pinta.
Serodia TP-PA performs best in populations at risk for T pallidum infection.
False-positive or inconclusive results for this assay may be seen in patients with HIV, leprosy, toxoplasmosis, or Helicobacter pylori.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Particle Agglutination
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.