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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can A False RPR Test With A Negative FTA-ABS Test Be Affected By High Prolactin Levels?

Can a false RPR test with a neg. FTA-ABS test be affected by high prolactin levels? My level was at 22 and I had this positive RPR test come back. I ve had 2 other tests done with my last 2 pregnancies and they were previously normal and have been in a monogamous relationship for 15 years.
Tue, 26 Apr 2016
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello, and I hope i can help you today.

Having a false-positive RPR during a test for syphillis is a relatively common occurrence, which is why the confirmatory test (FTA_ABS) is performed. FTA, or fluorescent treponemal antibody, is only positive if the organism that causes syphillis is present. So this test shows that you definitely do NOT have syphillis.

False positive RPR's are caused by autoantibodies produced by your body that cause the test to be positive. These are not commonly associated with an elevated prolactin level, but other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease and lupus, can sometimes cause the test to be positive. However, in most people, there is no explanation for the positive RPR test.

So there is no reason to worry that you have a positive RPR test. You may test positive on the RPR test in the future, or it may go away by itself. Your primary care physician may want to evaluate you for autoimmune diseases, depending on your age and current health.

I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown
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Can A False RPR Test With A Negative FTA-ABS Test Be Affected By High Prolactin Levels?

Hello, and I hope i can help you today. Having a false-positive RPR during a test for syphillis is a relatively common occurrence, which is why the confirmatory test (FTA_ABS) is performed. FTA, or fluorescent treponemal antibody, is only positive if the organism that causes syphillis is present. So this test shows that you definitely do NOT have syphillis. False positive RPR s are caused by autoantibodies produced by your body that cause the test to be positive. These are not commonly associated with an elevated prolactin level, but other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease and lupus, can sometimes cause the test to be positive. However, in most people, there is no explanation for the positive RPR test. So there is no reason to worry that you have a positive RPR test. You may test positive on the RPR test in the future, or it may go away by itself. Your primary care physician may want to evaluate you for autoimmune diseases, depending on your age and current health. I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. Best wishes, Dr. Brown