What does the "MHA" in MHA-TP stand for?

The "MHA" in MHA-TP stands for Micro Hemagglutination. This test is part of the diagnostic process for syphilis and utilizes the principle of hemagglutination to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. In the micro hemagglutination method, small amounts of antigen are used to detect the presence of antibodies in patient serum, allowing for a more sensitive and specific diagnostic result. Using a microformat reduces reagent costs and specimen volume, making it suitable for various clinical settings. This method emphasizes the fundamental role of hemagglutination in serological testing, which is critical for identifying infections like syphilis effectively.