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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Do VDRL Reactive, TPHA Positive And Elevated Alkaline On Medical Test Mean?

i was hire to work abroad and required to undergo medical test, my results came back and i was surprised with the result. according to the result i am vdrl reactive, tpha positive (93.93) and elevated alkaline phos (166). can you enlighten me on this result
Mon, 30 Dec 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Thank you for your query. VDRL and TPHA are tests done for detecting syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection). VDRL is commonly used as a screening test, while TPHA is used as a confirmatory test. If both came positive, it is possible you have developed syphilis, which can be treated with antibiotics like penicillin G.
However,please note that since these are immune mediated tests, false positive result may occur due to presence of similar (but non pathological) treponema bacteria (the bacteria causing syphillis is Treponema pallidum pallidum).

Alkaline phosphatase, on the other hand is an enzyme released by hepatic bile ducts,and is elevated on liver pathology (primarily biliary pathology, like stones etc.). It can also be raised in children when active bone growth is present.

I would suggest you please consult a dermatologist and venerologist for advice and management of syphilis if present.

Hope I 've been able to satisfy your query. Please don't hesitate to ask for any subsequent queries if present. Best of luck.

Dr. Sourav.
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What Do VDRL Reactive, TPHA Positive And Elevated Alkaline On Medical Test Mean?

Thank you for your query. VDRL and TPHA are tests done for detecting syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection). VDRL is commonly used as a screening test, while TPHA is used as a confirmatory test. If both came positive, it is possible you have developed syphilis, which can be treated with antibiotics like penicillin G. However,please note that since these are immune mediated tests, false positive result may occur due to presence of similar (but non pathological) treponema bacteria (the bacteria causing syphillis is Treponema pallidum pallidum). Alkaline phosphatase, on the other hand is an enzyme released by hepatic bile ducts,and is elevated on liver pathology (primarily biliary pathology, like stones etc.). It can also be raised in children when active bone growth is present. I would suggest you please consult a dermatologist and venerologist for advice and management of syphilis if present. Hope I ve been able to satisfy your query. Please don t hesitate to ask for any subsequent queries if present. Best of luck. Dr. Sourav.