Syphilis with Reflex to RPR
CPT Code(s):
86780
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
12 months
Clinical Significance
Syphilis is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens related to the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. This test has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the following ways:
1. Diagnosis of Syphilis: Syphilis is primarily used to diagnose syphilis infection. It can detect the presence of specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection. Different types of syphilis tests include the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, and Treponemal-specific tests (e.g., enzyme immunoassay or chemiluminescent immunoassay). Positive results indicate a current or past syphilis infection.
2. Screening for Syphilis: Syphilis testing is an essential component of routine sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, especially for individuals at higher risk or in populations with a higher prevalence of syphilis. Screening allows for early detection and treatment of syphilis, helping to prevent the progression of the disease and transmission to others.
3. Monitoring Treatment Response: Syphilis testing is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Serial testing is performed to assess the decline in antibody levels over time, indicating a positive response to treatment. The decline in antibody levels also helps confirm the successful clearance of the infection.
4. Management of Pregnant Women: Syphilis screening is a crucial part of prenatal care. Timely detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women can prevent transmission of the infection to the fetus, reducing the risk of congenital syphilis and associated complications.
5. Contact Tracing and Partner Notification: Positive syphilis test results trigger contact tracing efforts to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to syphilis. This is important for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent further transmission of the infection.
6. Follow-up Testing: In cases where initial syphilis testing results are inconclusive or require further clarification, additional confirmatory tests such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test or Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TP-PA) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
In summary, Syphilis is a critical tool for diagnosing syphilis infection, screening high-risk individuals, monitoring treatment response, managing syphilis in pregnancy, and facilitating contact tracing efforts. Early detection and treatment of syphilis contribute to better patient outcomes and the prevention of transmission to others. Healthcare providers use a combination of different syphilis tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the infection.