Treponema pallidum (RPR) with Reflex to Titer and Confirmatory TP

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.

Immunology

Charcoal Agglutination/Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Collect blood sample in a serum tube (red top) or a serum separator tube (SST) (yellow or marble top)
Centrifuge sample, if possible. If using a red top vacutainer tube, transfer serum into a labeled pour over tube
Minimum of 2 mL of whole blood or 1 mL of serum

Store freezer pillows in freezer for at least 24 hours prior to shipping with specimens.
Store specimens in refrigerator (2–8°C) after collection.
Specimens should be sent daily or next working day.
Transport in provided MSPHL shipping containers with freezer pillow(s).
Specimens must be received in the laboratory within 7 days after collection.

Serum

Immunology Test Request Form
Instructions for completing the Test Request Form 

Reactive
Non-Reactive
Test Cancelled/Unsatisfactory

Plasma Specimens
Specimen is not labeled with the patient’s name or 2 unique identifiers
Quantity Not Sufficient
Grossly Hemolyzed
Not received within 7 Days of collection
Sample transport conditions failed to meet acceptability criteria during accessioning

Hemolysis, lipemia, and bacterial contamination

1 day after specimen receipt

N/A

86592 RPR; if reflexed, add 86593 RPR titer and 86780 Syphilis TP

RPR: 20507-0
RPR Titer: 31147-2
Syphilis TP: 47236-5

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.