Test Directory

Syphilis confirmation

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone (Virology): Microbiology/Virology Office: 0131 536 3373 (option 1)

Transport arrangements

Samples should be appropriately packaged in accordance with current regulations and sent to Microbiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh via hospital porter collection, hospital pneumatic tube system, inter-site van service, GP van service, external hospital van service, courier or Royal Mail.

How to request

Sample type

• Blood (clotted blood, K EDTA blood, LiHep blood, not cord blood) 1.5 ml

• CSF (clean container) 0.5 ml

Request information

• unique identifier (forename and surname/CHI number/NaSH number)

• date of birth and gender

• sample type

• location of sender

• sender’s lab number (if applicable)

• any relevant clinical details

Availability

Weekdays 09.00 - 17.00

Anticipated turnaround

7 days

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

Clinically significant results will be communicated by phone/e-mail to the requestor.

General additional information

Syphilis/treponemal serology confirmation testing will include some or all of the following tests: treponemal IgM, TPHA (Treponema pallidum haemagglutination agglutination assay) and RPR (rapid plasma reagin). They are used for:

• confirming reactive treponemal screening assay results

• investigation of possible neonatal infections

• investigation and follow-up of neurosyphilis

Results should be available electronically. For senders outwith NHS Lothian it is our policy that results should be returned via a secure email such as nhs.scot. Paper copies of reports can be sent via Royal Mail by prior arrangement.

All results are interpreted based on previous treponemal results, clinical details and treatment history available to us at the time.

Further clinical advice can be obtained by contacting the Microbiology/ Virology Office on 0131 563 3373 Option 1 and asking to speak to the duty syphilis authoriser

or emailing loth.microbiologyoffice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Further information see www.bashh.org