The Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test is a blood test used to detect antibodies against the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. The test is based on the principle of agglutination, where the antibodies present in the blood sample cause clumping or aggregation of red blood cells coated with Treponema pallidum antigens
The Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test is primarily used for the diagnosis and confirmation of syphilis infection. The TPHA test is often performed as a confirmatory test when a screening test, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) or Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, shows a positive result. Positive screening tests suggest the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum, but confirmatory testing with the TPHA test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis.
The Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Test for Syphilis (TPHA Test) is a simple blood test that can be performed in a laboratory. Before the test, the patient may be asked to avoid certain medications that may affect the results. During the test, our healthcare professional will use a needle to draw blood from a vein in the patient's arm. The blood sample will then be sent to our laboratory for analysis.
Positive TPHA result: A positive TPHA test result indicates the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum. It confirms exposure to the bacterium and suggests an active or past infection with syphilis. However, a positive TPHA test alone does not provide information about the stage or activity of the infection. It requires correlation with clinical findings, history, and other diagnostic tests, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) or Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, for a comprehensive evaluation.
Negative TPHA result: A negative TPHA test result indicates the absence of detectable antibodies against Treponema pallidum. It suggests that the individual has not been exposed to syphilis or that the antibody levels are below the detectable threshold. However, it's important to note that individuals in the early stages of syphilis may not have detectable TPHA antibodies, as it takes time for antibodies to develop. Repeat testing may be necessary if there is a high suspicion of syphilis.
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