Question: Hello, roughly two weeks ago I was wrongly with syphilis. Initially, I had a reactive trep igg/igm and a non reactive rpr. The second confirmatory test (tppa) was never done( I noticed this after I asked for copies of my lab work). My dr and the lab missed this ( I understand this STD is a huge issue currently in my town, so my Dr was simply being proactive in treating me). I however,knew I was misdiagnosed because I had no symptoms, I was tested in January with a negative result, and past sexual partners (whom I had to tell I may have syphilis) had been tested,all with negative results. My Dr said there was no need for further testing. But I ( a nursing student) knew the tppa was never done as I went over the labs.

I had the 2.4 IU shot of penicillin right away, just to be safe (and paid out of pocket, ouch). Two weeks went by and my dr wasn't getting back to me. After the board of health called me (again, embarrassing) I decided to get repeat labs done (after begging my Dr, who felt I was being crazy and over testing) and contacted the head CLS of the lab. The CLS went over my previous tests and said whomever did the testing messed up and forgot to do tppa (which I knew, I just needed proof). He apologized over and over and said he would personally take care of my specimen and do the testing. He said procedure was not followed properly.

Results: initial trep igg igm=reactive, confirmatory test rpr=non reactive, second confirmatory test tppa=non reactive. Interpretation: initial trep igg/igm false positive. Patient is negative for syphilis. He then faxed the results to my Dr (whom I still have not heard from telling me it was a false positive).

My question is, did the penicillin have any negative affects on me since it was not needed? Also, I have Sjogrens and Lupus as well as RA. I had Mono in January as well. I know there must be a reason for my initial false positive for the trep. What blood work would you suggest ? Will my Dr call the department of health and tell them it was a false positive? This whole ordeal has been nerve wracking and embarrassing and I really do not wish for it to happen again. In the future, when tested (I am always safe and get tested for stds every six months, always) should I give the lab a heads up?

Is this false positive an indication I may have the lupus anticoagulant or the anticardiolipin antibody? Thank you.