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Treponema pallidum Antibody by TP-PA
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Ordering Recommendation
CDC-recommended confirmatory test for syphilis. Order if initial screening (eg, RPR, VDRL) is reactive.
Mnemonic
Methodology
Semi-Quantitative Particle Agglutination
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
1-4 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Serum separator tube or plasma separator tube.
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)
Refrigerated.
CSF or other body fluids.
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval
Nonreactive
Interpretive Data
FDA
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.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
86780
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
|---|---|---|
| 0050777 | Treponema pallidum Ab by TP-PA | 24312-1 |
Aliases
- MHA-TP
- Syphilis Antibody by MHA
- Syphilis TPPA
- T pallidum TPPA
- T. pallidum Antibody by MHA
- TP-PA
- Treponema Pallidum AB, Particle Agglutination
- Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay
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