Syphilis and legionella tests discontinuing Feb. 1
The State Hygienic Lab will be discontinuing the confirmatory syphilis Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) and the Legionella Antibody (Total) serology test effective Feb. 1, 2015. Scientific literature notes that while the FTA-ABS is highly sensitive and specific, it has been known to produce variable results due to variation in equipment, reagents and interpretation. Additionally, the CDC and other agencies recommend replacing the FTA-ABS with the Treponema pallidum – particle agglutination (TP-PA) test which is currently performed at SHL. The TP-PA test is less complicated than the FTA-ABS test, and the results are more accurately interpreted.
The Legionella Antibody (Total) serology is being discontinued because according to CDC guidance, there is typically a delay in development of a measurable antibody response that may affect accurate diagnosis for an acute patient. In lieu of serological testing, SHL offers three alternatives for Legionella testing: culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
