HIGHLIGHTING OF ABNORMAL RESULTS
Abnormal numerical results outside the quoted reference ranges will now be highlighted on your reports by using the colour magenta plus H or L to indicate an abnormally high or low result respectively. In addition, completed tests with abnormal results which appear on the bottom of our reports will also be printed in magenta to alert referrers that there is an abnormality in these reported results.
SYPHILIS SCREENING TEST
We are now using a new Syphilis screening test (Syphilis TP) to replace the RPR (as used in antenatal screens) and TPHA (included with RPR in other settings). The Syphilis TP is a chemiluminescent method that detects specific anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies rather than the non-specific RPR (reagin or anti-lipoidal antibodies). Syphilis TP is more sensitive in detecting early primary and late latent syphilis cases than by screening with RPR alone. Positive results with the Syphilis TP test will be confirmed using RPR, TPHA and FTA methodologies. Results will be reported as:
Syphilis TP antibody: NEGATIVE or POSITIVE
Please Note :
Repeat serology is a continued recommendation for clinically suspect early infections with a negative screening test. The use of RPR titre is still recommended for monitoring response to treatment of syphilis and in this setting please request RPR specifically and provide appropriate clinical details.
HEPATITIS C ANTIBODY REPORTING
A change in the reporting of Hepatitis C Antibody results will occur over the next few days. The new reporting method indicates the test method in brackets to identify the method used. Eg.
(old report) Hepatitis C Antibody NEGATIVE
(new report) Hepatitis C Antibody (Architect/Axsym) NEGATIVE
For positive results, both screening and confirmatory test methods will be reported individually, with an overall interpretation of the patient’s Hepatitis C status. Eg.
EXAMPLE A:
Hepatitis C Antibody (Architect/Axsym) *DETECTED
Hepatitis C Antibody (Murex) *DETECTED
Hepatitis C Antibody Interpretation *DETECTED
EXAMPLE B:
Hepatitis C Antibody (Architect/Axsym) *DETECTED
Hepatitis C Antibody (Murex) *NOT DETECTED
Hepatitis C Antibody Interpretation *INDETERMINATE
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN APPROPRIATE COMMENT
Please contact Dr John Roberts or Mr Danny McColl on 63 34 3636 if you have any queries.