Alberta Precision Laboratories

--- Query Results ---

Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Test Name/Synonym:

Syphilis
(Synonym: Treponema pallidum, RPR, Rapid Plasma Reagin, VDRL, TPPA, FTA-ABS)

Pathogen:

Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum

Test Includes:

Serology (EIA, RPR, TPPA)
VDRL, FTA (CSF)
NAT/PCR

Ordering Alert:

For suspected neurosyphilis case, please make sure syphilis serology is ordered if there is no previous positive syphilis serology result or syphilis status is unknown. VDRL and FTA/ABS will be cancelled without positive syphilis serology result.

3rd party testing is available for approved APL 3rd party clients only (Syphilis Screen - 3rd Party LAB101197)

Collection Alert:

Must consult the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call prior to collecting tissues or samples from autopsies or in a suspected congenital infection.

For CSF specimens refer to: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Collection Guidelines PX26-02.200

LABID (Connect Care):

RPR - LAB494
Syphilis FTA-ABS Antibodies - LAB866
Syphilis Screen - LAB1197
Syphilis Screen - 3rd Party - LAB101197
Syphilis VDRL - LAB859
Treponema pallidum (DNA) NAT - LAB4162

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Swab of lesion or serous exudate for PCR; sterile swab sent in Universal Transport Medium (UTM)
CSF (minimum volume 1mL) in sterile container for VDRL & FTA/ABS
5 mL GOLD SST or 2 mL RED for pediatric patients for serology (minimum volume 1 mL)

Syphilis NAT/PCR test is indicated for the diagnosis of acute infectious syphilitic lesions (1 °change or secondary syphilitic rash)

For suspected congenital Syphilis infection
See: Congenital Infections

Test Resources:

	Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20676.pdf
	Information on Syphilis Testing in Alberta https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/lab/if-lab-information-on-syphilis-testing-in-alberta.pdf

Method:

Interpretation of Syphilis Serology

Routine Turn Around Time:

EIA: 48 hours
RPR: 48 hours
TPPA: 72 hours
VDRL: 5 days
FTA: 5 days

Testing Area:

Virology and Specialized Molecular Diagnostics

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Additional Test Information:

The subspecies of T. pallidum i.e., pallidum, endemicum, and pertenue causing Syphilis, Bejel, and Yaws, and T. caroteum causing Pinta cannot be discriminated from each other by the above serologic and molecular assays.

Last Updated On:

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Mar 19 2025 12:00AM