Syphilis Serology - Provincial
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Clinical presentations are variable, however, during primary syphilis an individual may notice a sore or lesion and during secondary syphilis they may notice a rash. Direct detection of T. pallidum from a primary lesion or nasal secretions of a newborn suspected of congenital infection is possible using PCR (see Lesion Panel). All other cases should be diagnosed using serology.
Ordering Recommendations
- Any patient with signs or symptoms compatible with syphilis infection
- Any patient exposed to syphilis
- Any patient at risk of being exposed to sexually transmitted infections
- All pregnant women as part of routine prenatal care
- Infants potentially exposed to syphilis during pregnancy
Alias
- Treponema pallidum serology
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
-
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Collection procedure
- SST
Required volume
- 5 mL whole blood (1.5 mL serum)
- Minimum for neonates 1 mL whole blood (0.5 mL serum)
Transport and stability
- Refrigerate. Do NOT freeze.
Performance
Methodology
- See Syphilis Laboratory Testing Algorithm for reflex testing performed and test interpretation guidance
Days/times performed
Availability
- All specimens will be tested at either RUH or RRPL
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- See Syphilis Laboratory Testing Algorithm for reflex testing performed and test interpretation guidance
Specimen retention time
- Specimens are retained for 3 days after initial processing
Other information
Additional resources
- Additional information can be found in the Saskatchewan Communicable Disease Manual
Any additional comments
- Syphilis is a Notifiable Disease. All positive test results will be sent to local Public Health officials.
Last Updated: April 17, 2024