Syphilis Serology

TEST NAME Syphilis Reverse Algorithm Panel
DISEASE DISORDER Syphilis
ALTERNATE NAME(S) Treponema pallidum
METHODOLOGY Abbott Architect Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) with reflex to Arlington Scientific Inc. Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Agglutination Card Test and Serodia Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination (TP-PA)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS This test is not approved for testing spinal fluids.
ORDERING INFORMATION

Lab Web Portal: 'Syphilis Reverse Algorithm Panel'

PTBMIS:

Test Order Code:     86780

Test Order Description:     Syphilis Reverse Algorithm Panel

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • Venipuncture
Specimen Collection
  • Acceptable specimen types:

- Whole Blood in Serum Separator Tube (SST) [preferred]

- Whole Blood in Red Top Serum Coagulation Tube

- Serum in sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial

 

 
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • Follow the tube manufacturer's processing instructions for collection tubes.
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Specimens may be stored at 2 - 30°C for up to 72 hours post-collection.  
  • Specimens may be stored at 2 - 8°C for up to seven (7) days.
  • If testing will be delayed more than seven (7) days, aliquot serum into a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial and store at -20°C or colder.
Specimen Transportation
 
  • Ship specimens at 2-30°C if receipt at laboratory will occur within 72 hours of collection. 
  • Ship specimens at 2 - 8°C on cold packs, if receipt at laboratory will occur greater than 72 hours from collection up to seven (7) days post-collection.
  • Ship serum specimens frozen at -20°C or colder if receipt at laboratory will occur greater than seven (7) days post-collection. 
  • Specimens should be placed in a biohazard bag with absorbent material. 
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180).
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or microbially contaminated specimens will be rejected. 
  • If expiration date on collection tube is prior to collection date, specimen will be rejected. 
  • Specimens received after expiration of viability will be rejected. 
  • Unlabeled or improperly identified specimens will be rejected. 
  • Specimens collected in unapproved tube types will be rejected. 
  • Specimens broken in transit will be rejected. 
  • Specimens leaking in transit may be rejected after assessment of viability and contamination. 
  • Specimens with insufficient volumes of serum will be rejected. 
  • Specimens with clerical errors in the lab order or on the specimen tube will be rejected. 
  • Specimens transported or stored at incorrect temperatures will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville
  • Knoxville

This Page Last Updated: August 17, 2026 at 12:05 PM