Treponema pallidum DNA detection by NAAT
General Information
Lab Name
Treponema Pallidum DNA detection by NAAT
Lab Code
TPLDNA
Epic Name
Treponema pallidum DNA detection by NAAT
Description
Detection of Treponema pallidum DNA.
This test detects Treponema pallidum, the etiologic agent of syphilis and endemic treponematoses (e.g., yaws and pinta). It can be ordered as a primary diagnostic when syphilis is suspected and is also available reflexively when Bacterial DNA Detection by PCR (BCTDNA) suggests the presence of T. pallidum below the reporting threshold.
Please note that this assay does NOT distinguish subspecies of T. pallidum.
For more information on this test, to download a requisition form, and for a list of acceptable and unacceptable specimens, please refer to: Molecular Diagnosis Microbiology Section Website
Synonyms
23S LAMP, 23S PCR, chancre, darkfield microscopy, FTA-ABS, meningovascular, neurosyphilis, RPR, spirochete, Syphilis, tabes dorsalis, TP-PA, TPPA, Treponema, Treponema pallidum, treponeme, VDRL
Components
Interpretation
Method
DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Reference Range
See individual components
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see this page for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
Specimens should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers.
Acceptable Specimens
- Fresh frozen tissue
- Fresh frozen fluid: any body fluid is acceptable if it is not listed under Unacceptable Specimens. See common examples below.
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET): blocks, scrolls, and unstained slides are acceptable
- eSwabs and UTM (universal transport media)
- Whole blood, including cord blood, in a lavender/purple top EDTA tube
- Note: Director approval is required for submission of blood samples due to logistical & specimen batching considerations.
Common acceptable body fluid examples: cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, urine, bronchial lavage, joint fluid, bone marrow, vitreous fluid, etc.
Additional Acceptable Specimens
- Sputum
Unacceptable Specimens
- Serum, plasma, stool
- No citrated or heparinized solutions
- No SPS (Sodium Polyanethole Sulfonate) e.g. Wampole Isolator Tubes
- Tissues floating in formalin
- Swab/fluid collected in tube containing agar
Handling Instructions
Fresh frozen tissue/fluid specimens should be submitted and maintained on dry ice.
Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET) can be sent ambient or with ice packs during warmer summer months to prevent melting.
Whole blood should be frozen at -80C; please submit/transport specimens on dry ice.
Optimal Quantity:
- Fresh Tissue: 0.3-1.0 cm^3
- Fluid: 0.2-1 mL
- Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue (FFPE/PET): blocks are preferred and will be sent back to client upon completion of testing
- Scrolls/unstained slides: cross-sectional area >1cm^2 send 10 sections of 10µm thickness, if <1cm^2 send 20 sections if available
- Whole Blood: at least 1mL of whole blood in a lavender/purple top EDTA tube. 1.5mL or more is requested.
Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.
Quantity
requested: See Optimal Quantity above
minimum: Specimens below optimal quantity are acceptable for testing, however, diagnostic yield is generally proportional to specimen size.
Processing
UWMC/HMC – store and send specimen refrigerated and freeze specimens at -20°C (Note: -80C for whole blood) upon arrival in UW-ML Microbiology. If specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C (-80C for whole blood).
Freeze specimens at -20°C upon arrival (Note: freeze at -80C for whole blood).
Outside Laboratories: Freeze tissue & body fluid specimens in sterile containers at -20°C. Freeze whole blood at -80C. Transport all specimens on dry ice.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Micro Molecular Diag (MMD)
Performing Location(s)
| UW-MT |
Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room # NW177, |
|---|
Frequency
Fresh frozen tissues/fluids result in 2-3 business days after receipt of specimen. Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues result in 3-4 business days after receipt of specimen. Whole blood is batched and currently performed 1 – 2 times per week.
Available STAT?
No