Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) with Reflex to Titer and TP-PA Confirmation
Also known as: RPR PAN
Use
This test is recommended for syphilis screening and diagnosis following the traditional algorithm. It leverages the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) method, which is a non-treponemal test that detects nonspecific antibodies indicative of syphilis. If reactive, it reflexes to a titer to endpoint and confirms with a Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test (TP-PA) to ensure specificity, especially in environments requiring automatic confirmation with a treponemal test.
Special Instructions
Avoid freezing the serum if possible. For states requiring treponemal test confirmation, this panel provides automatic reflex with additional charges applicable for each level of reflex testing triggered by reactive results.
Limitations
The test may yield false positives due to cross-reactivity with other diseases or conditions such as viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or pregnancy. False negatives may occur in early primary syphilis or late latent stages due to low antibody titers. Specimen handling and storage conditions are crucial, with potential instability in inferior sample storage.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Contaminated, grossly hemolyzed, grossly lipemic, plasma, CSF, cord blood, or other body fluids.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |
