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Syphilis Darkfield, Microscopic Exam

TEST NAME

Syphilis Darkfield, Microscopic Exam
DEPARTMENT BACT
TESTS B22
DESCRIPTION Darkfield microscopy is used to demonstrate the presence of Treponema pallidum in lesions or aspirates in early-stage syphilis.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

SPECIMEN: Serous fluid from genital lesion

CONTAINER: Glass slide with coverslip

COLLECTION: Collect specimen prior to antimicrobial therapy. Clean the surface of the lesion with saline, and blot dry. Gently remove any crusts, and discard. Abrade superficially until slight bleeding occurs. Wipe away the first few drops of blood. Apply gentle pressure at lesion base, touching clear exudate in ulcer base with a glass slide. Place coverslip and transport immediately to laboratory.

TRANSPORT CONDITIONS: Room Temperature (25±5°C): 15 minutes

Refrigerated (5±3°C): Unacceptable

Frozen (-15±5°C): Unacceptable
TURNAROUND TIME (TAT)

30 minutes
REFERENCE RANGE Negative
TEST METHOD Microscopy
CPT CODES

87210