II. Indications
-
Syphilis evaluation
- Active stages of primary and Secondary Syphilis
III. Efficacy
- Most specific if a sample can be taken from an active Chancre or Condyloma Latum
- Accuracy varies with experience of technician
IV. Technique
- Equipment Needed
- Microscope with dark-field condenser or
- Phase contrast microscope
- Obtain Sample
- Lymph Node saline aspirate
- Ulcerative lesion
- Clean lesion with saline
- Abrade lesion with gauze
- Do not use antiseptic
- Squeeze lesion to obtain drop of serous transudate
- Place drop of sample onto glass slide; add cover slip
- Examine under dark-field or phase contrast microscope
- Tiny helical organisms, moving in a corkscrew-like pattern
V. Interpretation: Positive Test
VI. Interpretation: Negative Test
- Does not rule out Syphilis
- At least 10^4 organisms must be present to be seen
- Repeat exam on three consecutive days