TPHA (TREPONEMA PALLIDUM) HAEMAGGLUTINATION,SERUM

TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination), Serum

What it is

The TPHA test (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Assay) is a blood test used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis. It is a confirmatory test performed after an initial screening test such as VDRL or RPR.

Uses

The TPHA test is used to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis, detect past or current infection, and monitor treatment effectiveness. It is also recommended in routine screening for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, blood donors, and individuals with multiple sexual partners.

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

Doctors may recommend this test if you experience painless genital ulcers (chancre), skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, patchy hair loss, or neurological and cardiovascular symptoms in advanced syphilis. It is also ordered if there is a history of exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

Abnormal Results

Positive TPHA: Indicates current or past syphilis infection. Once positive, the test usually remains positive for life, even after successful treatment, so it should be interpreted with other clinical and laboratory findings.

Negative TPHA: Suggests no exposure to syphilis or very early infection before antibodies have developed.

Risks

The TPHA test is a standard blood test with minimal risks. Possible side effects include slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the puncture site, and rarely dizziness or infection.