TPHA (Treponema palladium Hemagglutination) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | TPHA Test, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay, T. pallidum haemagglutination test, Syphilis confirmatory test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; especially those with syphilis symptoms, positive VDRL/RPR results, pregnant women, and high-risk groups |
| Price | Starting at ₹650 |
What is a TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test?
The TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination) test is a specialised blood test used to confirm syphilis infection. It detects antibodies that the immune system produces against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, and the serum is tested in the laboratory using the haemagglutination method. The test is also known as the Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination Assay or Syphilis Confirmatory Test.
What Does a TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test Measure?
The TPHA test looks for one specific thing in your blood sample. Here is what it analyses:
| Parameter | What it Measures |
|---|---|
| Treponema pallidum antibodies | Antibodies produced by your immune system specifically against the syphilis-causing bacterium |
Because this is a treponemal-specific test, it is highly targeted. Unlike general screening tests, it looks only for antibodies that respond directly to Treponema pallidum. This makes it useful for confirming a syphilis diagnosis when a screening test (such as VDRL or RPR) returns a positive result.
Why is a TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test Done?
Doctors request the TPHA test procedure in several situations, from confirming a suspected infection to screening those at higher risk.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you present with any of the following symptoms:
- Painless sores (known as chancres) on the genitals, mouth, or rectum
- A skin rash, particularly on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and persistent fatigue
- Unexplained hair loss
- Unintended weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The TPHA test can help identify the following conditions:
- Syphilis, a systemic bacterial infection that progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary
- Latent syphilis, a stage with no visible symptoms, where the test detects long-lasting antibodies in the blood
- Congenital syphilis, which occurs when the infection passes from mother to baby during pregnancy
TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test During Pregnancy
All pregnant women are recommended to be screened for syphilis at their first antenatal visit. The TPHA test is used as a confirmatory step when initial screening tests such as VDRL or RPR return a positive result. Early identification and treatment help prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and protect the baby from congenital syphilis.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, and the collection process is quick and simple.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the TPHA test. You can eat and drink as you normally would before the test. If your doctor has ordered additional tests at the same time, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical background, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, as some may affect results
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access for blood collection
- Stay well hydrated before the test
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of syphilis treatment or any past STI diagnoses
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during your TPHA test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will locate a suitable vein, usually in the crook of your arm.
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A fine needle is used to collect a small blood sample; the process typically takes under five minutes.
- The blood is collected into a gel tube and labelled with your details.
- Gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site, followed by a small bandage.
- The sample is stored under refrigerated conditions and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
A few factors may influence the reliability of your result:
- Recent antibiotic use before the test
- Testing very early in a primary syphilis infection (before antibodies have developed)
- Certain autoimmune conditions or other treponemal infections, such as yaws or bejel
- Improper sample storage or handling
Understanding Your TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test Results
Results of the TPHA test are reported as either reactive (positive) or non-reactive (negative). Always review your results with a qualified doctor who can consider your full medical and sexual history.
| Result | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Non-reactive | Negative | No antibodies detected; no evidence of current or past syphilis infection |
| Reactive | Positive (titre 1:80 or above) | Antibodies detected; indicates current or past syphilis infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions may affect how results are interpreted:
- Leprosy has been associated with false-positive TPHA results in a small proportion of cases.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, infectious mononucleosis, and non-venereal treponemal infections such as yaws may also produce false-positive results.
- HIV, recent vaccinations, and injecting drug use have been linked to false-positive readings on related syphilis tests.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness steps can reduce the risk of syphilis and support sexual health:
- Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity.
- Maintain a mutually monogamous relationship or limit the number of sexual partners.
- Get regular STI screenings if you are sexually active with multiple partners.
Lupin Diagnostics TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination) Test Price and Home Collection
The TPHA test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹650, and home collection is available in multiple cities across India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 650 |
| CHENNAI | 650 |
| HYDERABAD | 650 |
| KOLKATA | 650 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 650 |
| PUNE | 650 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the TPHA test across cities in India, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp once ready.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TPHA test is a confirmatory test for syphilis, a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is used after a positive screening test (VDRL or RPR) and can also detect antibodies in people who show no visible symptoms.
VDRL and RPR are non-treponemal screening tests that detect general antibodies and are prone to false-positive results. The TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination) test is treponemal-specific and is used to confirm a syphilis diagnosis. Using both types of tests together gives a more accurate picture of the infection.
The test is highly sensitive in the secondary and later stages of syphilis, with sensitivity reported at 98% to 100%. However, in the very early primary stage (within the first one to two weeks), antibodies may not yet have developed, which can result in a false-negative reading.
Yes, in many cases it will. Antibodies to syphilis can remain detectable for life, even after successful treatment. A positive result does not automatically mean an active current infection. Your doctor will use non-treponemal tests (RPR or VDRL) to monitor your treatment response.
No fasting is required. You can continue your normal diet and fluid intake on the day of the test. There are no dietary restrictions for this particular blood test.
The TPHA test is recommended for people with symptoms of syphilis, anyone who has received a positive VDRL or RPR screening result, pregnant women during antenatal care, and individuals with a history of STIs or multiple sexual partners.
Conditions such as leprosy, autoimmune diseases like lupus, infectious mononucleosis, and infections with non-venereal treponemal organisms like yaws may cause false-positive results. Your doctor will review your full clinical history alongside the test result to arrive at the correct interpretation.
TPHA (Treponema palladium Hemagglutination) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
