II. Indications

  1. Syphilis evaluation

III. Efficacy

  1. Most specific if Chancre or condyloma is present
  2. Accuracy varies with experience of technician

IV. Equipment Needed

  1. Microscope with dark-field condenser or
  2. Phase contrast microscope

V. Technique

  1. Obtain Sample
    1. Lymph Node saline aspirate
    2. Ulcerative lesion
      1. Clean lesion with saline
      2. Abrade lesion with gauze
      3. Do not use antiseptic
      4. Squeeze lesion to obtain drop of serous transudate
  2. Place drop of sample onto glass slide; add cover slip
  3. Examine under dark-field or phase contrast microscope
    1. Single motile organism (corkscrew appearance)

VI. Interpretation: Positive Test

VII. Interpretation: Negative Test

  1. Does not rule out Syphilis
  2. At least 10^4 organisms must be present to be seen
  3. Repeat exam on three consecutive days

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Definition (NCI_CDISC) A microscopic technique in which the light that does not come into contact with the structure or details of interest is subtracted from the ocular image. This yields an image in which the structure or details are alight while the areas where the structures or details are absent are dark.
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