Syphilis Treatment Follow-Up (RPR with Titer)

Label Mnemonic:	STFP
Epic code:	LAB8648
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	86592 RPR; if reflexed, add 86593 RPR titer

Specimen(s):

Serum

Collection Medium:

BD Gold SST 5 mL Vacutainer

Minimum:

5 mL serum from a BD Gold SST tube

Rejection Criteria:

CSF and other body fluids.

Turn Around Time:

1 day

Reference Range:

Non-reactive (< 1:1)

Comments:

If RPR is weakly reactive or reactive, then a titer to endpoint will be added.

This test is intended for assessing treatment efficacy in patients who have been treated for syphilis. Successful treatment is generally indicated by a 4-fold reduction in RPR titer (e.g., 1:32 to 1:8).

Assay methodology changed to BioRad Bioplex method April 3, 2018.

For routine syphilis testing, "Syphilis Total Antibodies" should be ordered.

Test Limitations:

The assay is unaffected by icterus < 66 mg/dL, hemolysis (Hb < 500 mg/dL), or lipemia < 2000 mg/dL). RPR assay interference resulting in false positive results may occur with cross-reacting antibodies from patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, malaria, autoimmune disease, viral pneumonia, and people who have been recently vaccinated (including vaccines for SARS-CoV-2). RPR results should be interpreted in conjunction with patient history, risk factors, and other syphilis testing.

Methodology:

Fluorescent Immunoassay

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Store frozen.

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Ship frozen.

CPT Code:

86592 RPR; if reflexed, add 86593 RPR titer