Search our extensive Laboratory Test Directory to find test codes, ordering recommendations, specimen stability information, Test Fact Sheets, and more.
Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
CDC-recommended confirmatory test for syphilis. Order if initial screening (eg, RPR, VDRL) is reactive.
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates whether a test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York state approved.
Specimen Required
Patient PreparationInstructions patient must follow before/during specimen collection.
CollectSpecimen type to collect. May include collection media, tubes, kits, etc.
Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube.
Specimen PreparationInstructions for specimen prep before/after collection and prior to transport.
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: 0.4 mL)
Storage/Transport TemperaturePreferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to ARUP. See Stability for additional info.
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable ConditionsCommon conditions under which a specimen will be rejected.
CSF or other body fluids.
RemarksAdditional specimen collection, transport, or test submission information.
StabilityAcceptable times/temperatures for specimens. Times include storage and transport time to ARUP.
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Methodology
Process(es) used to perform the test.
Qualitative Particle Agglutination
Performed
Days of the week the test is performed.
Mon-Fri
Reported
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-4 days
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Nonreactive
Interpretive Data
May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, or details of testing.
Compliance Category
FDA
Note
Additional information related to the test.
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.
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
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