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What Causes Positive VDRL Test During Pregnancy?
Question: vdrl positive 1:2 in my pregnant wife. we are worried as we both are completely healthy
Brief Answer:
I suggest her to take up a specific test for syphilis i.e TPHA test
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern.
VDRL is not a specific test for syphilis. It can be positive in individuals who have never had syphilis i.e biological false positive (BFP). Pregnancy is one of the well known physiological causes of biological false positive VDRL. A low titre positive VDRL i.e 1:2, specially in pregnancy is most likely biological false positive VDRL.
I suggest her to get a specific test for syphilis i.e TPHA test. If TPHA test comes out as negative that would prove that this low titre VDRL is most likely a biological false positive and therefore nothing needs to be done in her case.
Regards
I suggest her to take up a specific test for syphilis i.e TPHA test
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern.
VDRL is not a specific test for syphilis. It can be positive in individuals who have never had syphilis i.e biological false positive (BFP). Pregnancy is one of the well known physiological causes of biological false positive VDRL. A low titre positive VDRL i.e 1:2, specially in pregnancy is most likely biological false positive VDRL.
I suggest her to get a specific test for syphilis i.e TPHA test. If TPHA test comes out as negative that would prove that this low titre VDRL is most likely a biological false positive and therefore nothing needs to be done in her case.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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