RPR

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Blood test

Overview Risks Results

RPR

The screening test is most valuable in middle stage syphilis, as it will most likely be positive during this time. During early and late stage syphilis, thetest may be falsely negative. Additional testing may be neededbefore ruling out syphilis.

A positive test result may indicate underlying syphilis. If the screening test is positive, the next step is to confirm the diagnosis with a more specific test for syphilis such as FTA-ABS. The FTA-ABS will help distinguish between syphilis and other infections.

The RPR test's ability to detectsyphilis depends on the stage of the disease.The test's sensitivity to detect syphilis nears 100%during the middle stages; it is less sensitive during the earlier and later stages.

The following conditions may cause a false positive test:

• HIV
• Lyme disease
• Certain types of pneumonia
• Malaria
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

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