What is considered a positive RPR titer?
A rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test is one of the various tests that screen for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called syphilis. It is a simple blood test that checks for unique syphilis antibodies. The RPR test can be inconclusive on its own. It’s usually followed by other screenings. Syphilis is an
STI that is typically transmitted through contact with someone’s infected sores during unprotected sex. The syphilis bacterium is called treponema pallidum. It enters your body through your mucous membranes or cuts or abrasions on your skin. Syphilis has four stages. Each has its own set of symptoms. If untreated, syphilis can become deadly. Early treatment can cure syphilis completely before symptoms worsen. Symptoms. Your doctor may recommend an RPR test if you
begin showing syphilis symptoms after having sex with someone with syphilis. These symptoms include: Symptoms in the final stages
of syphilis include loss of feeling, paralysis, blindness, dementia, and death. Treatment. Syphilis can be cured in the primary stage with a single dose of long-acting penicillin or other antibiotics if you’re allergic to penicillin. Later stages of syphilis require long-term antibiotic treatment. An RPR test simply requires a blood sample. Little to no preparation is needed. If you might have
syphilis, don’t have sex with anyone until you receive confirmation you don’t have it. You can unknowingly put others at risk for infection if your results are positive. Preparation for a blood test. Certain blood tests may require you to fast beforehand or stop taking certain medications. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to prepare for the RPR test. Most tests don’t require any preparation. Procedure. Blood will be drawn from the back of your hand or inside of the elbow. The site will be cleaned with antiseptic to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into the puncture. Your doctor may wrap an elastic band on your upper arm to cause your veins to swell with blood. Then they will insert a needle to draw out the necessary amount of blood. A bandage will be placed on the injection site to stop any
bleeding. Your test results are typically available within 7 to 10 days after the blood is taken. You’ll need to be cautious during that time to minimize potential infections. Risks. There are few risks when having blood drawn. These include:
ResultsNegative results. A negative result may mean you don’t have syphilis or have recovered if you’ve had it previously. Depending on the stage of syphilis, the RPR test may produce false-negative results. Positive results. You may have syphilis if the RPR test results are positive. Further testing is often required to confirm a positive diagnosis and that the test wasn’t a false-positive. Abnormal results, false-negative. Certain factors may cause you to receive false-negative results on the RPR test:
Additional testing will be required to rule out syphilis as the cause if your results are questionable or the symptoms persist. Abnormal results, false-positive. The following conditions can make the RPR test appear positive for syphilis:
Related TestsThere are other tests used to screen for syphilis. Several others are used to confirm a diagnosis. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test. This screening test checks your blood or spinal fluid for syphilis antibodies. Similar to RPR tests, the VDRL test can be inaccurate. Rapid immunochromatographic test. This screening test also checks for syphilis antibodies. The blood sample can be taken and analyzed during a regular doctor visit. Tests to confirm a syphilis infection include:
What is the normal range of RPR?Table 1.. What does RPR titer of 1 1 mean?A confirmed case of syphilis was defined as an RPR titer ≥1:1 with a positive TPHA result. All positive results, including syphilis diagnoses, were communicated with patients and attending clinicians in order to provide appropriate therapy.
What does RPR titer of 1/4 mean?Syphilis Re-infection
An increase in titer of two dilutions represents re-infection with Treponema pallidum. For example, a titer increase from 1:1 to 1:4 would indicate a re-infection.
What does RPR titer of 1/8 mean?If the RPR is also positive (especially at >1:8) and there is no history of treatment for syphilis, a diagnosis of syphilis is made and the patient should receive treatment.
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