RPR Test. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
General Information
This test identifies antiphospholipid antibodies in over 75% of people with primary syphilis and nearly 100% with secondary syphilis. However, in about 30% of late-stage syphilis cases, the test may not confirm the disease.
A positive result is typically obtainable 7–10 days after the first chancre appears and 3–5 weeks post-infection.
Testing Process
Preparation
Preparation steps include:
- Fasting for at least 8 hours (preferably 12) before the morning test;
- Avoiding juices, tea, coffee, and alcohol;
- No smoking 30 minutes prior.
RPR Test Procedure
The process involves two steps:
- Drawing venous blood;
- Adding cardiolipin antigen to the serum, triggering an immune precipitation reaction forming a dark antigen-antibody complex.
Indications
The RPR test is conducted:
- For syphilis screening (donors, pregnant women, specific professions, pre-surgery patients);
- When infection is suspected (after unprotected casual sex, genital sores, rashes, or lymph node enlargement; or birth from a syphilitic mother);
- Post-treatment retesting.
Test Interpretation
A negative result may indicate:
- No syphilis;
- Very early stage (retest in 1.5–2 weeks);
- Late-stage syphilis (due to reduced cardiolipin antibodies);
- Rare false negatives (high antibody levels).
A positive result may indicate:
- Syphilis presence;
- False positives (autoimmune disorders, HIV, malaria, IV drug use, tuberculosis, pneumonia, pregnancy, elderly).
Post-treatment, a negative result indicates successful treatment, while a positive result suggests persistent antibody levels, requiring further investigation.
Final diagnosis requires specific treponemal tests.
Prices and Clinics
Referrals are typically issued by venereologists, dermatovenereologists, infectious disease specialists, or general practitioners. The RPR test is available at facilities offering this service. Use the medical portal to choose a convenient clinic and specialist.
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