Serologic Testing Flashcards
What is Rapid Plasma Reagin?
Non-treponemal test for serologic detecting of the antibody Reagin
Why is the antibody Reagin produced?
Produced in response to an infection of syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum
What is the RPR reagin?
Phospholipid and is found in the serum/plasma of patients with syphilis
What is the causative agent of syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
What is the vehicle or “antigen” used to see the macroscopic results of RPR?
Carbon charcoal particle
Does the RPR test require confirmation?
Yes, it is only a screening test
What is a positive RPR test?
If flocculation is present
What is the confirmatory test for RPR?
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorbed test (FTA-ABS)
What will be shown on a confirmatory FTA-ABS test?
Slide will fluoresce under UV light on a positive test
What two tubes of blood will collect for serum and plasma for RPR test?
- Serum: Red/SST (without anticoagulation)
- Plasma: Purple ( with anticoagulation)
How should the serum look after centrifuge for RPR?
Clear and non-hemolyzed
What is included within the RPR test kit?
- RPR Card antigen suspension
- Plastic disposable bottle
- 20 gauge, galvanized needle, blunt tip
- Test cards
- Pipettes/stirrers
- RPR Test control cards
- 1 mL Tuberculin syringe
- Distilled water
- Mechanical rotator
What need to be done prior to RPR testing?
- Centrifuge specimen
- Mix antigen by shaking vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Attach needle to hub of dispensing bottle
- Snap off top of ampule and draw antigen into dispensing bottle
How many drops do you transfer from specimen to card for RPR testing?
One drop
How many drops of antigen to the specimen and control to be tested with dispensing bottle?
One drop
How long do you place test card and controls on the rotator and at what rpm?
- 8 minutes
- 100 prm
When do you read the test card for RPR?
At the end of 8 minutes
How many times do you rotate and tilt the RPR card?
3-4 times
- use a to-fro motion
How do you read the RPR card?
Macroscopically
What is the range of flocculation in a reactive test?
- Slight but definite
- Minimum to moderate
- Marked and intense
How is RPR reported?
Either reactive or non-reactive
What are the two QC sections of serology testing?
- Equipment QC
- Reagent QC
Regarding equipment QC, what does the mechanical rotator need to be calibrated to?
100 RPM
Regarding equipment QC, what does the antigen needle need to be calibrated to?
60 drops/mL
What are the two pieces of equipment within equipment QC?
- Mechanical rotator
- Antigen needle
What are the three controls for Reagent QC in RPR testing?
- Reactive
- Weak-reactive
- Non-reactive
How are Control reagents treated in RPR testing?
Treated as Pt’s
What is the monospot test used to detect?
Infectious mononucleosis which is a self-limiting disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus
When is infectious mononucleosis typically seen?
Young adults and children less than 5 yrs
What is the presentation of infectious mononucleosis?
- Fever
- Malaise
- Lethargy
- Sore throat with exudates
- Enlarged lymph nodes on the neck
- Mild hepatitis
- Enlarged spleen
- Occasional blotchy skin rash
What does infectious mononucleosis cause?
Accumulation of increased numbers and abnormal forms of lymphocytes and monocytes within lymph nodes
- Causes the formation of “heterophile” antibody
What tubes do you collect blood in for infectious mononucleosis?
Tubes with or without anticoagulants
What are the parts of the Monospot Latex Test Kit?
- Latex Reagent suspension
- Pipettes/stirrers
- Test slides
- Positive/negative control
What should be done prior to conducting monospot testing?
- Centrifuge the specimen
- Test the specimen within 24 hours if stored between 2-8 degrees Celsius
- Perform positive/negative QC
To what temperature does the Latex reagent need to reach after refrigeration?
Room temperature (20-30 degrees Celsius)
How long do you gently rotate the slide for when testing for infectious mononucleosis?
- 3 minutes manually or on a rotary shaker set to 60-100 rpm
How is infectious mononucleosis reported?
Positive or negative
What does a positive test for infectious mononucleosis show?
Shows agglutination
What does a negative test for infectious mononucleosis show?
Demonstrate a smooth, homogenous solution with no agglutination
