title: Proficiency testing, trouble shooting and quality control for the RPR test.
abstract: A Syphilis Serology Proficiency Testing Program revealed that 182 of the 272 (67 percent) participating laboratories failed to report acceptable results for a minimally reactive pair of serum samples. It was noted that serious technical errors involved the antigen, use of controls, procedures and in some cases, the lack of training. A program involving strict quality control measures is presented for  use in routine syphilis serologic procedures.
mesh_terms: D000941:Antigens; D004356:Drug Storage; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000592:standards; D011786:Quality Control; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens