Return to Test Directory
SyphilisTotal (IgG/IgM) Screen (8000101363)
Test Mnemonic:
Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

Syphilis Total. If positive, reflex to RPR titer and TP-PA confirmation tests

Collection:

Serum separator tube (SST)

Red top serum tube with no additive

Container:

Serum separator tube (SST)

Red top serum tube with no additive

Minimum Volume:

1 ml of serum

Storage/Transport:

Refrigerate (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Samples should be frozen (<-20°C)

Specimen Preparation:

Within two hours of collection, centrifuge. Serum collected in a red top tube should be removed from the red cells if testing will be delayed.

Stability:

Refrigerate (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Samples should be frozen (<-20°C)

Causes for Rejection:

Insufficient quantity, gross hemolysis, lipemia.  Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection or collector completed.

Reference Range:

Non-reactive

Turnaround Time:

 Test is performed daily,  Sunday through Friday

L&D/Newborn specimens tested 7 days a week.

Methodology:

Multiplex immunoassay

Performed:

Clinical Microbiology

Synonyms:

 Syphilis

Clinical Indication:

Intended for the qualitative detection of total antibodies to Treponema pallidium and should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical findings to aid in the diagnosis of syphilis infection.

Patient Preparation :

Routine venipuncture

CPT 4 Code:

86780

Note:

Specimens with positive Syphilis Total results are automatically tested for RPR titer and a confirmatory treponemal test (Treponema pallidum partical agglutination test).

For patients diagnosed with syphilis (i.e., positive Total and confirmatory test), the CDC recommends that response to therapy be assessed by RPR test (a 4-fold decline in titer, or undetectable RPR titer) after 6 months. 

Tests are performed on all obstetrics patients regardless of previous results.  If there is no previous patient data, the requested tests are performed.

VDRL test is performed on CSF samples as a Sendout test for patients with positive serum test results, only.

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
Return to Test Directory