Ordering RecommendationRecommendations 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.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
MHA
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Semi-Quantitative Particle Agglutination
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Mon-Fri
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-4 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
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.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Nonreactive
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
No compliance statements are in use for this test.
NoteAdditional 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.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe 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.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
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