Test Overview
Test Methodology

Direct Immunofluorescence

Test Usage

To determine the presence of Treponema pallidum in a syphilitic chancre.

Reference Range *

Treponema pallidum not found.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Failure to demonstrate the presence of Treponema pallidum does not indicate its absence in the lesion.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 5:30pm
Analytic Time

Up to one week

Soft Order Code
SO
Synonyms
  • Spirochete Smear
  • Treponema pallidum Darkfield
  • Darkfield, Treponema pallidum
  • Fluorescent Antibody Darkfield Test
  • Treponema pallidum Darkfield Exam
  • Syphilis Darkfield
  • DFA-TP
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
MDHHS
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Call the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services at 517-335-8080 and request kit: Fluorescent Darkfield for Treponema pallidum, Unit number 10, with Blanks FB10 and FB8. Air dry the slides for 20 minutes to inactivate the treponemes and render them non-infectious before transporting. Place slides in the cardboard book-type mailer; store at room temperature. Fill in the information requested on the form labeled "Examination for Treponema pallidum", using a pen with black ink or typewriter with black ribbon.

Additional Information

Test sent to Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS); although there is no charge for testing, MLabs charges a handling fee for processing and forwarding specimens to MDHHS.

Billing
CPT Code
99001
Fee Code
20230
NY State Approved
No