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| SYPHILIS EIA SCREEN |
| Department: | Immunology |
| Alternate Names for Test: |
FLUORESCENT TREPONEMAL ANITBODY - Test no longer performed FTA - test no longer performed RPR SEROLOGICAL TESTS FOR SYPHILIS STANDARD TEST FOR SYPHILIS STS TPHA TPPA TREPONEMAL SEROLOGY VDRL VENERAL DISEASE RESEARCH LABORATORY WASSERMAN ANTIBODY |
| Constituent Tests: | Syphilis EIA screen. If Positive then confirmatory RPR, TPPA |
| Specimen Collection Requirements: | |
| Sample Type: |
|
| Minimum Sample Volume: | 0.6 mL serum |
| Alternative Blood Tubes: | Mauve (EDTA) tube 4.0mL |
| In the Lab: | |
| Lab Test Code: | SYPE |
| Testing Schedule: | Analysed daily, Monday - Friday. |
| Turnaround Time: | Daily, Monday - Friday |
| Reference Interval & Interpretation: | Non Reactive or Further results to follow |
| Method: | Abbott Architect Syphilis TP - CMIA |
| Stability Time Limit for Add-On Tests: | 5 days |
| Reflex / Confirmatory Tests: | RPR & TPPA |
| Link to Application and Diagnostic Use Website: | http://www.rcpamanual.edu.au/index.php?option=com_pttests&view=tests&Itemid=77 |
| Notes: | SAMPLE STORED: Positive serum aliquots stored in freezer (for approx 1 - 2 years) for any future testing that may be required. LIMITATIONS: SYPHILIS EIA Screen No diagnostic test provides absolute assurance that a sample does not contain low levels of antibodies to TP, such as those present at a very early stage of infection.Therefore, a negative result at any time does not preclude the possibility of exposure to infection with syphilis. RPR Since reactivity in non-treponemal tests for syphilis is a result of tissue damage, false negative results may occur in stages of the disease where tissue damage is minimal. This is particularly true in early primary infections and during latent stages. Biological False Positives have been reported in patients with autoimmune disease (SLE, AntiPhospholipid syndrome), viral infections, malaria, liprosy, yaws and a wide variety of other conditions including pregnancy. TPPA At the early stage of infection asay may not be sensitive enough to detect specific antibody. Therefore when infection is suspected, repeat sampling (2-3 weeks later) should be performed and interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, clinical history and other available data. Application: Serum tests: patients with suspected syphilis and contacts; antenatal screening; blood and tissue donors; patients with STD, HIV infection. EIA are used as screening tests. TPPA are used as confirmatory tests. Interpretation: Serum tests: the RPR and VDRL are sensitive but non-specific tests. Positive results may indicate active syphilis but confirmatory tests for specific antibody to T. pallidum are required. RPR or VDRL are also used for monitoring treatment. The titre falls with successful treatment, but these tests may not become negative unless treatment is commenced early in the course of the infection. Biological false positives may be found in pregnancy; transiently in eg, measles, chicken pox; chronically in eg, cirrhosis, SLE, the phospholipid antibody syndrome, leprosy. TPPA: positive results confirm the diagnosis of syphilis, but do not indicate whether the disease is active, inactive or cured. Titres may remain elevated after effective therapy, although they may become negative if treatment has been commenced early. http://www.rcpamanual.edu.au/sections/pathologytest.asp?s=33&i=164 Reference: Egglestone SI and Turner AJL Commun Dis Public Health 2000; 3: 158-162. |
| Contact Details: | |
| Lab Contact: | Paul Tustin and Dr Richard Steele |
| Department Name: | Immunology |
| Phone: | (04) 3815900 ext 840 |
| Fax: | (04) 3815948 |
| Email: | ptustin@apath.co.nz |
Test Information last updated on 18/03/2011
Website last updated on 17/06/2013 09:00
1x Yellow SST (Serum Separator) tube 5.0mL