Syphilis Serology

General Information

Please state clearly the serological tests required and provide relevant clinical information. If unsure, contact Clinical Microbiologist or Virologist for advice.

When adequate information is not provided, serum will be stored and a report requesting more details issued. Serum will be discarded after 2 weeks if this additional information is not received.

Many serological tests require both acute and convalescent sera (10-14 days following onset); the PHE laboratory will not perform assays on acute phase serum until a follow up convalescent sample is provided. Serological assays which require a follow up sample will be stored in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Microbiology laboratory and a report issued requesting a convalescent sample. The serum will be discarded after one month if convalescent serum is not provided.

When patients present late in the clinical course of an infection and only convalescent serum is available, please state this information clearly on the request form to ensure the assay will be performed.

Accreditation: Syphilis antibody testing is performed within the Biochemistry department; this is a UKAS accredited investigation. The confirmatory tests  (RPR, TPHA) are performed in the Microbiology department and are not currently UKAS accredited. This is due to a change in kit supplier and it is anticipated that UKAS Extension to Scope will be applied for.  For further information, please contact the laboratory.

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.