RPR Flashcards
What is a non-treponemal test for serologic detection of the antibody reagin, which is produced in response to an infection (syphilis) caused by Treponema pallidum?
Rapid Plasma Reagin
What is produced in response to an infection (syphilis) caused by Treponema pallidum?
Antibody Reagin (phospholipid)
So what is RPR testing for?
Syphilis
Where is RPR found?
Serum or plasma of patients with syphilis
What is used as a vehicle/antigen to see results macroscopically?
Carbon Charcoal
Does RPR required confirmation?
Yes (therefore it is a screening test)
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorbed test (FTA-ABS)
Dead T. pallidum is fixed on a slide, and patient’s serum is added
FTA ABS (FAT ABS) is what?
Confirmatory test for RPR
FAT ABS detects antibody how?
- By addition of fluorescein-labeled anti-human globulin.
* under ultraviolet microscope, it will fluoresce if positive
What bacteria is associated with RPR?
Treponema pallidum
What lipid is the antibody regain?
Phospholipid
Non-reactive test results on rpr show?
No flocculation
What is the monospot test used for?
detect infectious mononucleosis which is a self limiting disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus
When is mono typically seen?
young adults and children less than 5 years of age
How does mono present?
fever, malaise, lethargy, sore throat with exudates, enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, mild hepatitis, enlarged spleen, and occasional blotchy skin rash
What accumulation does mono cause?
increased numbers and abnormal forms of lymphocytes and monocytes in the lymph nodes
What antibody is formed due to mono?
Heterophil
What is a heterophil antibody?
Copy of the present antibody
How is serum sample taken for rpr?
- Collect venous blood in tubes without anticoagulant (red top and sst)
- After centrifugation, serum should be clear and unhemolyzed
What test is performed for RPR?
RPR card test kit
Prior to using test card kit what must you do for rpr?
- Centrifuge the specimen (serum or plasma) to sediment cellular elements
- Mix the antigen suspension, prior to opening ampule, by shaking vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Attach the needle to the hub of the dispensing bottle. Ensure the antigen is below the break line
- Snap off the top of the ampule and draw all of the antigen into the dispensing bottle
How do you mix the antigen suspension in the card kit for rpr?
- Shake VIGOROUSLY for 10-15 seconds
What must be used as a confirmatory test for RPR card kit test?
FAT ABS (FTA-ABS)
What is the speed and time the card kit spins on the rotator for rpr?
8 minutes at 100 revolutions per minute
How often do you rotate the card to differentiate the non-reactive from the weakly reactive results?
3 or 4 to and from
What are the results on the test kit for rpr?
Reactive or Non-reactive
How do you know it’s reactive?
Flocculation is present
When are Rapid Plasma Reagin controls conducted?
always be run with each batch of Rapid Plasma Reagin tests
How does quality control start?
with proper collection and handling of specimen
How is quality control divided?
- Equipment quality control
* Reagent quality control
What is the mechanical rotor calibrated to?
100 rpm
What is the antigen needle calibrated to?
60 drops per 1 ml
What controls are used for rpr?
- reactive
- weak-reactive
- non-reactive
How are controls treated?
As patients and run every time an unknwon sample is tested
