Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)

Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test for the determination of lipoidal antibody titres present in sera as a result of infection by treponemes or other nontreponemal diseases that cause tissue damage.

Serum – minimum of 0.5 mL. Maximum of 1.0 mL – same serum sample is used for all required syphilis testing.

N/A

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected of syphilis infection.

Completed Syphilis requisition form including sender lab name, address and telephone number. Patient identifier (specimen reference #), date of birth and sex. Date collected and test requested.

N/A

See reference below.

20 calendar days. Contact the laboratory prior to submission of urgent clinical specimens.

1. A Manual of Tests for Syphilis 9th Edition. Edited by S. A. Larsen, V. Pope, R. E. Johnson, E. J. Kennedy Jr. American Public Health Association. Washington, D.C. 1998.