ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA : 0050777

Mnemonic: MHA

Ordering Recommendation: CDC recommended confirmatory test for syphilis. Order if initial screening (eg, RPR, VDRL) is reactive.
Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Particle Agglutination
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: CSF or other body fluids.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; 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): 86780
Cross References: MHA-TP (Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA) , Syphilis Antibody by MHA (Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA) , T. pallidum Antibody by MHA (MHA-TP) (Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA) , TP-PA (Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA) , Treponema Pallidum AB, Particle Agglutination (Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA)