Treponema pallidum DNA detection by NAAT

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General Information

Lab Name
Treponema Pallidum DNA detection by NAAT
Lab Code
TPLDNA
Epic Ordering
Treponema pallidum DNA detection by NAAT
Description

Detection of Treponema pallidum DNA.

This test detects Treponema pallidum, the etiologic agent of syphilis and endemic treponematoses (e.g., yaws and pinta). It can be ordered as a primary diagnostic when syphilis is suspected and is also available reflexively when Bacterial DNA Detection by PCR (BCTDNA) suggests the presence of T. pallidum below the reporting threshold.

Please note that this assay does NOT distinguish subspecies of T. pallidum.

Forms & Requisitions

Molecular Microbiology Order Form

Synonyms
23S LAMP, 23S PCR, chancre, darkfield microscopy, FTA-ABS, meningovascular, neurosyphilis, RPR, spirochete, Syphilis, tabes dorsalis, TP-PA, TPPA, Treponema, Treponema pallidum, treponeme, VDRL
Components

Interpretation

Method

DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Reference Range
See individual components
Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Tissue (Fresh frozen or paraffin-embedded), Fluid (see Acceptable Specimens for details), Whole blood (EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood is an acceptable validated specimen type but requires director approval due to logistical & specimen batching considerations)
Collection

Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.

Shipping/Handling

  • Fresh frozen tissue/fluid specimens should be collected into a DNA free container labeled with at least two identifiers and be submitted and maintained on dry ice.
  • Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE, PET) can be sent ambient or with ice packs during warmer summer months to prevent melting.

Acceptable Specimens

*Mycobacterium avium complex DNA Detection [MAVDNA] can be ordered on sputum

**Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA] and Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRFDNA] may have interference due to some lots of eSwabs which have been found to contain Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA, resulting in false positive detection. Clinical correlation and/or retesting with a different collection method is advised. The detection of S. cerevisiae from eSwab specimens can interfere with our ability to rule out other fungal DNA.

    Unacceptable Specimens

    • Blood, serum, plasma, stool/rectal swabs
    • No citrated or heparinized solutions
    • Tissues floating in formalin
    • Swab/fluid collected in tube containing agar

    Optimal Quantity:

    • Fresh Tissue: 0.3-1.0 cm^3
    • Fluid: 0.2-1 mL
    • Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue (FFPE/PET): blocks are preferred and will be sent back to client upon completion of testing
    • Scrolls/unstained slides: cross-sectional area >1cm^2 send 10 sections of 10µm thickness, if <1cm^2 send 20 sections if available

    Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.

    [TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE] Conditionally Acceptable Specimens
    Director approval is required for submission of blood samples due to logistical & specimen batching considerations.

    • Whole blood/cord blood: acceptable for Treponema PCR only, submit in a lavender/purple top EDTA tube
    Forms & Requisitions

    Molecular Microbiology Order Form

    Handling Instructions

    Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.

    Quantity
    requested: See "Collection" for Optimal Quantity
    minimum: Specimens below optimal quantity are acceptable for testing, however, diagnostic yield is generally proportional to specimen size.

    Processing

    Processing

    UWMC/HMC: Store and send fresh tissue/fluid specimens refrigerated, if specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C. Freeze all fresh tissue/fluid specimens at -20°C upon arrival in UW Molecular Microbiology.

    Performance

    LIS Dept Code
    Micro Molecular Diag (MMD)
    Performing Location(s)
    UW-MT Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
    206-520-4600

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    Shipping Address

    Attn: Molecular Microbiology
    UW CLSPS
    1601 Lind Ave SW Room 117
    Renton, WA 98057
    Phone: 206-520-4600
    Alternate phone: 206-598-6147

    Performing Lab Address

    Clinical Microbiology Lab, NW177
    University of Washington Medical Center
    1959 NE Pacific Street
    Seattle, WA 98195
    Phone: 206-598-5735
    Alternate phone: 206-598-6147

    Contact Information

    Please e-mail us with any questions or comments you may have. Your inquiry will be answered as soon as possible.

    email: molmicdx@uw.edu

    The Molecular Microbiology lab is open from Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm PDT.

    Billing inquiries and requests for faxed reports can be made to our Client Services Department at (206) 520-4600 or (800) 713-5198.

    For results or other inquiries, we can be reached by phone at the following numbers:

    • Phone: (206) 598-5735
    • Alternate phone: (206) 598-6147
    • FAX: (206) 520-4903

    For assistance during weekends, holidays and after hours, please contact Lab Medicine Resident at (206) 598-6190
    Frequency
    Fresh frozen tissues/fluids result in 2-3 business days after receipt of specimen. Formalin Fixed Paraffin-embedded tissues result in 3-4 business days after receipt of specimen. Whole blood is batched and currently performed 1 – 2 times per week.
    Available STAT?
    No

    Billing & Coding

    CPT codes
    87798
    LOINC
    41163-7
    Interfaced Order Code
    UOW4596