Serological Testing Flashcards
What is the purpose of Rapid Plasma Reagin testing?
Non-treponemal test for serologic detection of the antibody reagin, which is produced in response to an infection of syphilis caused by treponema pallidum
What is reagin?
A phsopholipid which is produced in patients infected with Treponema pallidum.
Where is reagin found?
serium/plasma of patients
When flocculation is present in an RPR what does that indicate?
A positive test
What is FTA-ABS?
Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorbed test is the confirmatory test for RPR testing.
When studied under a ultraviolet microscope what does a fluoresce result indicate?
Positive FTA-ABS
What color tubes do you collect venous blood in for serum or plasma sample?
Red for serum and purple for plasma.
How long do you shake a vial of antigen suspension to mix it?
10-15 seconds
What are the two types of quality control that should be run with every RPR?
Equipment quality control
Reagent quality control
What do you calculate the mechanical rotator to ?
100 rpm
What do you calibrate the antigen needle to ?
60 drops per 1 mL
What is the purpose of the monospot test?
The monospot test is used to detect infectious mononucleosis which is a self-limiting disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is typically seen in young adults and children less than 5 years of age. Clinically the disease presents as fecer, malaise, lethargy, sore throat with exudates, enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, mild hepatitis, enlarged spleen, and occasional blotchy skin rash. Forms a “ heterophile” antibody because of the specific production in response to antigen stimulation.
How quickly must you test the specimen for a monospot if stored between 2-8 degrees celcius?
Within 24 hours
What does a monospot positive show?
Agglutination
What is malaria?
A parasitic infection caused by the introduction of the protozoan organisms into the blood by the bite of a female anopheles mosquito.
