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Spirochete Smear
Treponema pallidum Darkfield
Darkfield, Treponema pallidum
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Test Overview
Direct Immunofluorescence
To determine the presence of Treponema pallidum in a syphilitic chancre.
Treponema pallidum not found.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
1) 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. 2) Fill in the information requested on the form labeled Examination for Treponema pallidum, using a pen with black ink or typewriter with black ribbon. Return the form, slides, and a Special Testing requisition to the Central Distribution Laboratory.
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.