Treponema pallidum (RPR) with Reflex to Titer and Confirmatory TP
Brief Description
Specimens will be screened by an RPR test that uses charcoal agglutination for detection of reagin antibodies. Reagin antibodies are non-treponemal antibodies produced by the body's defense mechanism in response to an infection with Treponema pallidum. If the RPR is reactive, a quantitative titer and a Syphilis TP will be performed. The Syphilis TP test is an automated confirmatory chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. If latent syphilis is suspected and noted on request form, a Syphilis TP will be performed even if the RPR is non-reactive.
Laboratory Unit
Immunology
Methodology
Charcoal Agglutination/Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)
Specimen Collection
One 6 mL red top vacutainer tube or serum separator tube
Storage/Transport
2 mL of whole blood or 1 mL of serum
Store specimens at refrigerator temperature (2-8° C) prior to shipment.
Specimens should be sent daily or next working day.
Transport in MSPHL shipping containers at room temperature.
Specimens must be received in the laboratory within 7 days after collection.
Acceptable Specimen Type(s)
Serum
Test Request Form(s)
Possible Results
Reactive
Non-Reactive
Test Cancelled/Unsatisfactory
Unacceptable Conditions
Plasma Specimens
No Name on Specimen
Name on Specimen Does Not Match Name on Request Form
Quantity Not Sufficient
Grossly Hemolyzed
In Transit for More Than 7 Days
Interfering Substances
Hemolysis, lipemia, and bacterial contamination
Result Reported
1 day after specimen receipt
Fees
N/A
CPT Codes
86592 RPR; if reflexed, add 86593 RPR titer and 86780 Syphilis TP
LOINC/SNOMED Codes
RPR: 20507-0
RPR Titer: 31147-2
Syphilis TP: 47236-5
Additional Information
Biological false positive reactions occur occasionally with the carbon antigen (RPR) from individuals with a history of drug abuse, or with diseases such as lupus erythematosus, malaria, vaccinia, mononucleosis, leprosy, viral pneumonia, and after smallpox vaccinations. Pinta, yaws, bejel, and other treponemal diseases produce positive reactions in this test. A final diagnosis should not be made on the result of a single test, but should be based on a correlation of test results with other clinical findings.