Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:01
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Laboratory-based syphilis lateral flow immunoassay testing for maternity care at Alice Springs Hospital: a pilot
Nerida Moore1, Kevin Freeman2, James Mcleod3
1Microbiology Department, Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia. nerida.moore@nt.gov.au.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence (2018)
|September 9, 2025
Summary
A new syphilis test (LFI) significantly speeds up maternal screening in remote Australia. This rapid diagnosis enhances prevention efforts for congenital syphilis, a serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Technologies
Background:
- Congenital syphilis is a severe, preventable condition linked to maternal infection.
- Australia faces challenges with congenital syphilis, including perinatal deaths.
- Remote regions experience diagnostic delays due to specimen transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Abbott Determine™ Syphilis TP lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) for maternal syphilis screening.
- To assess the impact of LFI on reducing turnaround times in a remote hospital setting.
- To improve timely diagnosis and prevention of congenital syphilis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of the Abbott Determine™ Syphilis TP LFI at Alice Springs Hospital.
- Performed 88 LFIs on serum from 74 pregnant women.
- Compared LFI turnaround times with standard serology performed in a central laboratory.
Main Results:
- LFI results were available within 24 hours for 99% of cases (median 6 hours vs. 61 hours).
- LFI demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity compared to standard serology.
- No new active syphilis cases were detected; all positives indicated past treated infections.
Conclusions:
- Syphilis LFI significantly reduces screening turnaround times in remote settings.
- Improved timeliness enhances syphilis diagnosis and prevention strategies.
- LFI implementation is a valuable tool for high-burden remote regions.
