II. Indications
- Syphilis evaluation
III. Efficacy
- Most specific if Chancre or condyloma is present
- Accuracy varies with experience of technician
IV. Equipment Needed
- Microscope with dark-field condenser or
- Phase contrast microscope
V. Technique
- 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
- Single motile organism (corkscrew appearance)
VI. Interpretation: Positive Test
VII. 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