Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
RPR
Test Code (Numeric Code)
7001
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Serum
Transport
Ambient (8 - 24 °C) within 48 hours; Chilled (4 - 8 °C) if longer than 48 hours
Registration
RPR
Test Adds Requirement
Will be added if screen testing is positive.
Sample Stability
Up to 48 hours: 8 - 24 °C; Up to 14 days: 4 - 8 °C; Up to 6 months: -30 °C; Indefinite at - 80 °C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
The Rapid Plasma Reagin Test
Syphilis Serology
Treponemal Serology
VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) Test
Turnaround Time
3 days
RPR test is performed 3 times per week (M, W, F) on screen reactive sera.
Specimen Type
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
- SST(Microtainer)
- Plain (Red Top)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
Syphilis screening is performed on the Roche e801 Immunoassay module via the 8100 pre-analytical system. VIM serology staff will retrieve the primary blood specimen tube for supplemental RPR and TPPA testing when required.
Additional Specimen Information
Paediatric Specimen: 2 mL clotted blood or 1 mL serum
If serum is unavailable, RPR testing cannot be performed.
Last updated: 07/05/2026