ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA : 0050777

Mnemonic: MHA

Methodology: Indirect Hemagglutination
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect:  One 4 mL serum separator tube or plasma separator tube.

Transport:  1 mL serum or plasma at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:  0.15 mL serum or plasma at 2-8°C.

Remarks:  Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP.

Unacceptable Conditions:  CSF or other body fluids.

Stability:  After separation from cells: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
Nonreactive
Note: TP-PA is a helpful diagnostic aid for the patient with a reactive reagin test, but presents with atypical signs of primary, secondary, or late syphilis. TP-PA compares favorably with the FTA test, but appears slightly less sensitive in cases of untreated early primary syphilis. In late syphilis, the agreement with FTA is 99%.

VDRL is the preferred test for cerebrospinal fluid. Treponemal tests (TP-PA or FTA) are not recommended for CSF.  FTAs on CSF may be tested, but TP-PA cannot be tested on CSF.
CPT Code(s): 86781
 
 

 

 

 
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