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TREP-SURE™ Syphilis Serology (test # 515)
Shiel Medical Laboratory is pleased to announce a change in Syphilis
Serology testing. We will no longer be performing RPR as the initial
test in diagnosing Syphilis. Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) requires
a confirmatory test to FTA-ABS. These labor-intensive tests lack
specificity (RPR) and sensitivity (FTA-ABS).
We are now using the TREP-SURE™ Enzyme Immunoassay Kit for
anti-treponemal antibody screening. It detects both IgG and IgM
with a sensitivity and specificity of greater than 99%. Trep-Sure
is a polyvalent assay for detection of IgG and IgM in varied stages
of syphilis. A cocktail of recombinant antigens allows improved
detection of syphilis with few false positives. TrepSure allows
for objective reading of results, with no interpretation bias. Black-and-white
results allow increased reporting accuracy.
Shiel’s conversion to the automated TREP-SURE™
kit will:
- Provide Increased sensitivity and specificity
for syphilis testing
- Eliminate the need for FTA confirmation testing
- Improve overall test turn-around time.
Please note that the TREP-SURE™ anti-treponemal antibody
test does not indicate the status of infection or treatment, which
is characteristic of antibody tests that include sensitivity for
both IgG and IgM antibodies. Therefore, we will continue
to offer RPR w/titer, at no additional cost, as an automatic reflex
test on a positive Trep-Sure to provide our physicians with information
to determine infection and/or treatment status.
If you still have our old forms with Shiel Test # 505 (RPR
w/reflex FTA), and Test # 50500 (RPR Screen), it will be performed
with the Trep-Sure™ assay. Please order new requisition forms
from the lab for future test orders of Syphilis Serology. This improvement
in testing technology will also reflect in our standard Obstetric
Panel and any customized panel containing an RPR.
Shiel Medical Laboratory is dedicated to providing our patients
with the highest quality laboratory care. This change in Syphilis
Serology testing will better serve both physician and patient.
Please contact your Sales Representative or the laboratory if you
have any questions, or require additional information concerning
our new Syphilis Serology testing methods and procedures.
Patricia R. Romano, M.D.
Medical Director
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