TPHA (Blood)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

TPHA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

7003

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Serum

Transport

Ambient (8 - 24 °C) within 48 hours; Chilled (4 - 8 °C) if longer than 48 hours

Registration

TPHA

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

Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay
Syphilis Serology
Treponemal Serology
TPPA
Treponema pallidum particle agglutination

Turnaround Time

3 days

TPHA 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, TPHA testing cannot be performed.

Last updated: 07/05/2026