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Test Id : TPPA
Syphilis Antibody, Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination, Serum
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
An aid to resolve discrepant results between screening treponemal and non-treponemal assays
This test is not recommended for general screening purposes for syphilis.
This test should not be used to evaluate response to therapy.
This test is not intended for medical-legal use.
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
For more information see Syphilis Serology Algorithm.
Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test
A short description of the method used to perform the test
Particle Agglutination
NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Yes
Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test
Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, S
Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum
Treponemal
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
For more information see Syphilis Serology Algorithm.
Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing
Describes the specimen type validated for testing
Serum
Ordering Guidance
This assay is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for sera testing positive by a screening treponemal assay and negative by rapid plasma reagin (RPR). The results of this assay assist in determining whether the results of a screening treponemal test are truly or falsely positive.
Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the Testing Laboratory
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the Testing Laboratory
0.3 mL
Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
An aid to resolve discrepant results between screening treponemal and non-treponemal assays
This test is not recommended for general screening purposes for syphilis.
This test should not be used to evaluate response to therapy.
This test is not intended for medical-legal use.
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
For more information see Syphilis Serology Algorithm.
Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Syphilis is a disease caused by infection with the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. The infection is systemic, and the disease is characterized by periods of latency. These features, together with the fact that T pallidum cannot be isolated in culture, mean that serologic techniques play a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of treatment for syphilis.
Syphilis is categorized by an early primary infection in which patients may have nonspecific symptoms and, potentially, genital lesions. Patients tested by serology during the primary phase may be negative for antibodies, especially if testing is performed during the first 1 to 2 weeks after symptom onset. As the disease progresses into the secondary phase, antibodies to T pallidum reach peak titers and may persist indefinitely regardless of the disease state or prior therapy. Therefore, detection of antibodies to nontreponemal antigens, such as cardiolipin (a lipoidal antigen released by host cells damaged by T pallidum) may help to differentiate between active and past syphilis infection. Non-treponemal antibodies are detected by the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay, which is typically positive during current infection and negative following treatment or during late/latent forms of syphilis.
For prenatal syphilis screening, the syphilis IgG test (SYPH1 / Syphilis IgG with Reflex, Enzyme Immunoassay, Serum) is recommended. Testing for IgM-class antibodies to T pallidum should not be performed during routine pregnancy screening.
Historically, the serologic testing algorithm for syphilis included an initial nontreponemal screening test, such as the RPR or VDRL tests. Because these tests measure the host's antibody response to nontreponemal antigens, they may lack specificity. Therefore, a positive result by RPR or VDRL requires confirmation by a treponemal-specific test, such as the T pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) assay. Although technically simple to perform, the TP-PA assay is labor intensive and requires subjective interpretation by testing personnel.
Due to the increased specificity of treponemal assays and the objective result interpretation of automated treponemal immunoassays, many large clinical laboratories have switched to screening for syphilis using a reverse algorithm. Per this algorithm, serum samples are first tested by an automated treponemal immunoassay, and positive samples are reflexed to the RPR assay to provide an indication of the patient's disease state and history of treatment. For specimens testing positive by the screening treponemal assay and negative by RPR, a second treponemal test (eg, TP-PA) is performed. The results of TP-PA assist in determining whether the results of a screening treponemal test are truly or falsely positive.
Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Negative
Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Syphilis screening at Mayo Clinic is performed by using the reverse algorithm, which first tests sera for Treponema pallidum specific IgG antibodies using an automated immunoassay. Antibodies to syphilis can remain elevated despite appropriate antimicrobial treatment and a reactive result does not distinguish between recent or past infection. To further evaluate disease and treatment status, samples that are reactive by the syphilis screening test are reflexed to the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay, which detects antibodies to cardiolipin, a lipoidal antigen released from host cells damaged by T pallidum. Unlike treponemal-specific antibodies, RPR titers decrease and usually become undetectable following appropriate treatment and can be used to monitor response to therapy.
In some patients, the results of the treponemal screening test and RPR may be discordant (eg, syphilis IgG positive and RPR negative). To discriminate between a falsely reactive screening result and past syphilis, a second treponemal-specific antibody test is recommended using a method that is different from the initial screening test (eg, T pallidum particle agglutination: TP-PA).
In the setting of a positive syphilis IgG screening result and a negative RPR, a positive TP-PA result is consistent with one of the following:
1. Past, successfully treated syphilis
2. Early syphilis with undetectable RPR titers
3. Late/latent syphilis in patients who do not have a history of treatment for syphilis
Further historical evaluation is necessary to distinguish between these scenarios (Table).
In the setting of a positive syphilis IgG screening result and a negative RPR, a negative TP-PA result is most consistent with a falsely reactive syphilis IgG screen (Table). If syphilis remains clinically suspected, a second specimen should be submitted, order SYPH1 / Syphilis IgG with Reflex, Enzyme Immunoassay, Serum.
Table. Interpretation and follow-up of reverse screening results
| Patient history | Test and result | Interpretation | Follow-up | ||
| EIA/CIA/MFI | RPR | TP-PA | |||
| Unknown history of syphilis | Nonreactive | N/A | N/A | No serologic evidence of syphilis | None, unless clinically indicated (eg, early/acute/ primary syphilis) |
| Unknown history of syphilis | Reactive | Reactive | N/A | Untreated or recently treated syphilis | See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines |
| Unknown history of syphilis | Reactive | Nonreactive | Nonreactive | Probable false-positive screening test | No follow-up testing, unless clinically indicated (eg, acute/primary syphilis) |
| Unknown history of syphilis | Reactive | Nonreactive | Reactive | Possible syphilis (eg, early or latent) or previously treated syphilis | Historical and clinical evaluation required |
| Known history of syphilis | Reactive | Nonreactive | Reactive or N/A | Past, successfully treated syphilis | None |
CIA, chemiluminescence immunoassay; EIA, enzyme immunoassay; N/A, not applicable; RPR, rapid plasma reagin; TP-PA, Treponema pallidum particle agglutination.
Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Testing by only Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) is not recommended for general screening purposes for syphilis. TP-PA should only be requested when:
1. The results of a treponemal screening test and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) are discordant (eg, syphilis IgG-positive, RPR-negative).
2. A laboratory screens for syphilis using RPR and is in need of a treponemal confirmatory test.
Interpretation of results obtained with the Serodia TP-PA syphilis antibody test must be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical and laboratory findings.
Serodia TP-PA assay is less sensitive than the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test in untreated primary syphilis but compares favorably in all other stages of syphilis.
Serodia TP-PA assay should not be used to evaluate response to therapy since treponemal tests tend to remain reactive following treatment for syphilis.
Serodia TP-PA assay may be reactive in a small percentage (<1%) of normal or healthy persons. These false-positive results are often transient with unknown cause. False-positive results may occur in association with other underlying illnesses.
Serodia TP-PA may be reactive in persons from areas endemic for yaws or pinta.
Serodia TP-PA performs best in populations at risk for T pallidum infection.
False-positive or inconclusive results for this assay may be seen in patients with HIV, leprosy, toxoplasmosis, or Helicobacter pylori.
Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature
2. Tuddenham S, Katz SS, Ghanem KG: Syphilis laboratory guidelines: performance characteristics of nontreponemal antibody tests. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020 Jul 1;71:S21-S42
3. Ortiz DA, Shukla MR, Loeffelholz MJ: The traditional or reverse algorithm for diagnosis of syphilis: pros and cons. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020 Jul 1;71:S43-S51
Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
The Serodia Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) test is based on the agglutination of colored gelatin particle carriers sensitized with Treponema pallidum (Nichols Strain) antigen. Serum samples are serially diluted in microplate wells. Sensitized gelatin particles are added to respective wells and the contents of the plate mixed. The mixture is incubated for 2 hours at ambient temperature. Serum containing specific antibodies will react with the antigen-sensitized colored gelatin particles to form a smooth mat of agglutinated particles in the microplate well. A compact button formed by the settling of the non-agglutinated particles characterizes negative reactions. The agglutination patterns are read visually to determine interpretation.(Package insert: Serodia TP-PA. Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc; 08/2017)
PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information
No
Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.
Monday through Friday
Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.
Same day/1 to 4 days
Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
14 days
Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test
Rochester
Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.
- Authorized users can sign in to Test Prices for detailed fee information.
- Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Prospective clients should contact their Regional Manager. For assistance, contact Customer Service.
Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
86780
LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.
| Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TPPA | Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, S | 24312-1 |
| Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
|---|---|---|
| 61480 | Syphilis Ab by TP-PA, S | 24312-1 |
Test Setup Resources
Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.
Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.
SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.