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Test & Collection Guide

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PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test


 Recent changes for Syphilis Serology

Recent changes for Syphilis Serology

Date
Field
Changed From
Changed To
20th October 2025
Alternative names

Treponema pallidum Serology, VDRL

Treponema pallidum Serology, VDRL, RPR, TPPA, TPHA

Method

The RPR Syphilis screening method has been replaced by a chemiluminescent method for detection of total antibodies to T.pallidum.Confirmation, refer to VIDRL (test code SYPCON)

CSF Syphilis serology also refer to VIDRL

 

Chemiluminescent method for detection of total antibodies to T.pallidum.Confirmation, refer to VIDRL (test code SYPCON)

CSF Syphilis serology also refer to VIDRL

 

Notes

The RPR Syphilis screening method has been replaced by a chemiluminescent method for detection of total antibodies to T.pallidum.

CSF specimens for serology should be accompanied by a serum specimen.

The minimum CSF volume is 0.5ml

This is a chemiluminescent method for detection of total antibodies to T.pallidum. If detected, samples are referred for additional testing. 

For neurosyphilis, CSF specimens for serology should be accompanied by a serum specimen and referred to reference laboratory - Refer to seperate handbook entry for CSF

Syphilis Serology

Ordering information:

Serology testing (serum) for diagnosis of Syphilis. Positive screening test is referred to external laboratory for full testing (including TPPA, RPR titre)

Alternate names:
RPR, TPHA, TPPA, Treponema pallidum Serology, VDRL
Laboratory:
Biochemistry
Test Code:
SYPSCR/ANTESC
Specimen types:
Serum
Container types:
Serum tube with gelSerum tube with gel
Collection Instructions:
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable
Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Notes:

This is a chemiluminescent method for detection of total antibodies to T.pallidum. If detected, samples are referred for additional testing. 

For neurosyphilis, CSF specimens for serology should be accompanied by a serum specimen and referred to reference laboratory - Refer to seperate handbook entry for CSF

Frequency:
Daily
Result Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Laboratory Use Only

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

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