Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is A Blood Report Of VDRL Reactive Suggestive Of Syphilis?
Question: Hi Doctor,
Recently during a blood donation activity, I got to know that I was VDRL reactive (VDRL RPR test). I repeated the test from an external laboratory and the findings were consitent ie VDRL reactive(titers were not provided). I got a TPHA test done and it returned as negative. Does this mean I do not have Syphilisis or do I need to get any other tests done? Or shall I start treatment of syphilisis based on VDRL results?
For reference: I am sexually inactive, the last sexual encounter was around 2.5 yrs back using protection with a stranger, otherwise never had sex with anyone.
Recently during a blood donation activity, I got to know that I was VDRL reactive (VDRL RPR test). I repeated the test from an external laboratory and the findings were consitent ie VDRL reactive(titers were not provided). I got a TPHA test done and it returned as negative. Does this mean I do not have Syphilisis or do I need to get any other tests done? Or shall I start treatment of syphilisis based on VDRL results?
For reference: I am sexually inactive, the last sexual encounter was around 2.5 yrs back using protection with a stranger, otherwise never had sex with anyone.
Brief Answer:
Require FTA-ABS test for confirmation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.
I understand your concern.
Syphilis is caused by a treponeme bacteria.
VDRL is a non-treponemal test using for screening purposes which detect antibodies against treponeme in our blood.
In the absence of symptoms or recent sexual encounter, a REACTIVE VDRL can either be a false positive or a reflection of infection in the remote past or a latent stage of syphilis.
Because of the possibility of false-positive results, confirmation for any positive or equivocal nontreponemal test result should follow with a treponemal test, such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS).
FTA-ABS is commonly used as a confirmatory test following positive VDRL.
FTA-ABS has almost 100% sensitivity for detecting syphilis infection in other stages. Its specificity is 96%.
Hence, I advise you to get FTA-ABS instead of TPHA.
You need treatment only of FTA-ABS is positive.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Require FTA-ABS test for confirmation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.
I understand your concern.
Syphilis is caused by a treponeme bacteria.
VDRL is a non-treponemal test using for screening purposes which detect antibodies against treponeme in our blood.
In the absence of symptoms or recent sexual encounter, a REACTIVE VDRL can either be a false positive or a reflection of infection in the remote past or a latent stage of syphilis.
Because of the possibility of false-positive results, confirmation for any positive or equivocal nontreponemal test result should follow with a treponemal test, such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS).
FTA-ABS is commonly used as a confirmatory test following positive VDRL.
FTA-ABS has almost 100% sensitivity for detecting syphilis infection in other stages. Its specificity is 96%.
Hence, I advise you to get FTA-ABS instead of TPHA.
You need treatment only of FTA-ABS is positive.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
