TPHA Test (Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination)

Syphilis check

The TPHA test detects antibodies directly against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. It is mainly used to confirm syphilis after a reactive screening test such as VDRL or RPR. Once positive, TPHA usually stays positive for life, even after successful treatment, so it shows that someone has had syphilis at some time rather than whether the infection is active now.

• To confirm a reactive VDRL or RPR screening result
• Symptoms such as a painless genital sore or a rash on the palms and soles
• When a sexual partner has been diagnosed with syphilis
• As part of screening in pregnancy or for sexual health

No special preparation is needed; eat, drink and take your usual medicines as normal.

Sample

Blood sample

How it works

The collector draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm during a brief, private home visit. The sample is sealed and labelled for the laboratory.

Report

Within 2 days of collection.

A positive TPHA together with a reactive VDRL usually points to a current or recent syphilis infection that needs treatment. A positive TPHA with a non-reactive VDRL can mean a past, treated infection, or less often a very early or late infection. A negative TPHA after a reactive VDRL suggests the VDRL was a false positive. Your doctor will interpret both results together.

One test: TPHA Test (Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination), from one blood sample.