Treponema pallidum Reference Work

STBRL will accept serum and CSF specimens from patients with suspected syphilis infection for confirmation.

• We will require a minimum volume of 500µl
  
• All referred samples will be tested by:

  - Total antibody Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
  - IgM EIA (except CSF)
  - Treponemal Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA)
  - Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)

• Any samples for which discrepant results are obtained an Inno-Lia (Inno-Lia Syphilis Score) will be performed.
  

Please use the correct referral form and complete for each sample, including your laboratory address.
B3 Syphilis/Chancroid referral rorm (PDF, 308 KB)
Syphilis/Chancroid referral form, December 2010

For Charges of the Referral of specimens for Syphilis Serology please view the attachment
Interim Policy: April 2009 (PDF, 23 KB)

Other services available:

• Molecular testing of samples from genital ulcer disease ( T. Pallidum and H. ducreyi)

Please send a fresh swab (sterile, cotton or dacron tipped) taken from the patient's ulcer (genital or anal). Roll the swab over the base of the ulcer twice if possible. Send the swab dry, or put into transport buffer, as soon as possible to STBRL. Place the swab in a fridge if there is any delay in sending. Please complete our standard syphilis referral form. This is a charged test.

 Please note: Samples referred with insufficient referral information will be retrieved and archived. The Referring laboratory will be notified and appropriate details requested.

Charges will be incurred for medico-legal work and tests not covered by the reference service.

The laboratory can be contacted by telephone (020 8327 6464) or email stbrl@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 20 March 2009