Test Overview
Direct Immunofluorescence
To determine the presence of Treponema pallidum in a syphilitic chancre.
Treponema pallidum not found.
Failure to demonstrate the presence of Treponema pallidum does not indicate its absence in the lesion.
Test Details
Up to one week
- Spirochete Smear
- Treponema pallidum Darkfield
- Darkfield, Treponema pallidum
- Fluorescent Antibody Darkfield Test
- Treponema pallidum Darkfield Exam
- Syphilis Darkfield
Specimen Requirements
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.