SEROLOGICAL TESTING Flashcards
What is a non-treponemal test for serologic detection of the antibody Reagin?
Rapid Plasma Reagin
What is produced in response to an infection of syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum?
Reagin
What is a phospholipid, which is produced in patients infected with Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, and acts like an antigen?
Reagin
Reagin is found in the serum/plasma of patients with what?
Syphilis
The vehicle or “antigen” used in an RPR is what?
Carbon charcoal particle
After the antigen is mixed with a serum/plasma sample in an RPR what would be a positive test?
If flocculation is present, the test is reactive (positive)
After the antigen is mixed with a serum/plasma sample in an RPR what would be a negative test?
If no flocculation is present, the test is non-reactive (negative)
What is the confirmatory test for RPR testing?
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorbed test (FTA-ABS)
What happens after the dead T. pallidum is fixed on a slide, and a patient’s serum added?
If antibody is present, organism is coated with antibody and is detected by addition of fluorescein-labeled anti-human globulin
What would a positive FTA-ABS test be?
This slide is studied under an ultraviolet microscope and will fluoresce if positive.
What would a negative FTA-ABS test be?
A negative test results shows no fluoresce.
What blood tube would you use for serum collection for an RPR?
Red/SST
What blood tube would you use for plasma collection for an RPR?
Purple top
True or False
After centrifugation, serum should be clear and non-hemolyzed
True
All of these supplies are included in what?
- RPR Card antigen suspension
- Plastic disposable bottle
- 20 gauge, galvanized needles, blunt tip
- Test Cards
- Pipettes/stirrers
- RPR Card Test Control Cards
- 1mL tuberculin syringe
- Distilled water
- Mechanical rotator
RPR Card Test Kit
True or False
Before testing for RPR you need to centrifuge the specimen (serum or plasma) to sediment cellular elements
True
How long should you mix the antigen suspension prior to opening the ampule?
vigorously shake for 10-15 seconds
What do you do after mixing the antigen suspension for the RPR test?
- 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
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 1
Collect specimen, hold a dispenser between thumb and forefinger. Squeeze, do not release pressure until open end is below surface of specimen. Holding tube vertically release finger pressure to draw up sample.
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 2
Use the dispenser to transfer the specimen to the card, dispense 1 drop.
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 3
Spread the specimen around the circle to cover the entire surface area within the circle.
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 4
Add one drop of antigen to each specimen and controls to be tested with the dispensing bottle.
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 5
Place test card and controls on the rotator for 8 minutes at 100 revolutions per minute (rpm).
RPR Testing Procedure
Step 6
Read the reaction at the end of 8 minutes.