SyphilisStreamline syphilis testing on a platform built for high-powered automation
High global rates of syphilis1 require high-volume testing capabilities across multiple lab settings2. As laboratories strive to keep pace with the growing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing demands, the decision-making process for selecting a syphilis assay provider is increasingly influenced by factors such as assay consolidation, confidence in clinical results, and overall cost efficiency.
Traditional syphilis testing places significant demands on already overburdened staff. Addressing these challenges, the Atellica IM Syphilis assay, with its high sensitivity and specificity3, delivers a streamlined treponemal testing solution that enhances workflow efficiency to complement the syphilis testing algorithm.
Benefits
For even greater operational impact, laboratories can consolidate their infectious disease testing on Atellica immunoassay analyzers, engineered for high-performance assays and powered with built-in automation. This smart consolidation approach boosts throughput, reduces manual touchpoints, minimizes opportunities for error, and helps protect staff from biohazards. Elevate control, maximize efficiency, and achieve better results for your lab with a more intelligent, integrated approach to infectious disease testing.
Achieve reliable, accurate detection with the Atellica IM Syphilis Assay, a treponemal assay with high sensitivity and specificity,3 designed to detect antibodies (including IgM and IgG )12 to Treponema pallidum.3 Deliver the clinical confidence your team depends on with performance designed to support precise, timely decision-making.
The Atellica IM Syphilis Assay is powered by Siemens Healthineers' exclusive Acridinium Ester (AE) derivatives. This technology elevates assay performance, delivering high sensitivity and specificity for confident results.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the assay delivers meaningful operational efficiencies through a high number of tests per pack, long calibration intervals and strong onboard stability. This results in fewer consumables, reduced waste potential, and a smart resource-efficient workflow. Choose a solution designed to deliver high performance while supporting your lab’s commitment to sustainability.
Consolidate syphilis testing alongside hepatitis, HIV, ToRCH, and a growing ID menu, as well as routine and STAT assays on the Atellica Solution without compromising turnaround time4. This high-capacity, fully automated system is designed to elevate productivity, reduce send-outs, and support timely, confident clinical decisions.
Achieve reliable, accurate detection with the Atellica IM Syphilis Assay, a treponemal assay with high sensitivity and specificity,3 designed to detect antibodies (including IgM and IgG )12 to Treponema pallidum.3 Deliver the clinical confidence your team depends on with performance designed to support precise, timely decision-making.
Latest Syphilis testing guidelines
Serology testing is important to aid in the diagnosis of syphilis and includes both treponemal and nontreponemal assays.
- Treponemal tests: The T. pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) assay, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed (FTA-ABS) assay, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), or automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) recognize antibodies to treponemal antigens and are more specific for treponemal infection (syphilis).5-8
- Nontreponemal tests: The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card or the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) recognize antibodies to lipoidal antigens released by damage from the infecting agent. Conditions other than Treponema pallidum (syphilis) infection, such as autoimmune disease, acute viral infections, collagen disorders, and pregnancy, can cause nontreponemal test reactivity.5-8
Traditional and reverse testing algorithms explained
When implementing a syphilis testing algorithm, it's important to consider differences in assay performance and sensitivity:
- Guideline recommendations: The U.S. CDC, EU, and other international guidelines recommend the use of traditional and reverse algorithms.9,10
- Traditional algorithm: Often preferred in low-volume labs or high-prevalence settings. While reliable, it may be less sensitive for detecting early or late latent infections.9,10
- Reverse algorithm: Easily automated, providing workflow efficiency and improved detection of early primary and late latent infections. However, it cannot differentiate reinfection in patients with a prior history of syphilis. 9,10
Technical Details
Assay Specifications
Clinical utility
The Atellica IM Syphilis assay aids in the diagnosis of syphilis and is used for the qualitative determination of total (including IgG and IgM) Treponema pallidum antibodies. The assay uses recombinant Tp15 and Tp17 antigens.
Sample type
Serum, plasma (EDTA, lithium heparin, sodium heparin, citrate)
Time to first result
29 minutes
Number of tests per pack
200
Evidence
White Paper: Optimizing lab resources by consolidating ID tests on a single analyzer
This white paper examines the impact of having increasingly higher percentages of ID assays, including longer assays, on delivery times of the high-sensitivity troponin assay. Over a million data points were collected across analyzers in a large number of labs.4
Read the white paper to learn more about how you can enhance your infectious disease testing.