RPR (Monitor) with Reflex to Titer Most Popular
- $126.18
- $38.95
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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: RPR Monitor with Reflex to Titer, Syphilis
Rpr (Monitor)
The RPR (Monitor) with Reflex to Titer test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .
Brief Description: RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) with Reflex to Titer, is a blood test primarily used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The RPR test is a non-treponemal test, meaning it detects antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection rather than the bacteria itself. If the RPR test result is positive or reactive, the test automatically reflexes to a titer, which quantifies the level of antibodies in the blood. This reflex process helps confirm the presence of syphilis and assess the stage or activity of the infection..
Also Known As: Rapid Plasma Reagin with Reflex to Titer, Syphilis RPR, Syphilis Titer test
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required
IMPORTANT
A positive RPR screen must be followed by a specific treponemal antibody test (e.g., FTA-ABS):
A positive result on the second method confirms the screening result and the affected person is diagnosed with syphilis.
A negative result on the treponemal test may mean that the initial RPR test was falsely positive. Further testing and investigation may be done to determine the cause of the false positive.
Limitations
False-positive results have been associated in patients with infections, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, old age, Gaucher disease, and malignancy.
When is a Syphilis RPR test ordered?
The RPR (Monitor) with Reflex to Titer test is typically ordered when a healthcare provider suspects a patient may have syphilis. This suspicion may arise due to symptoms such as sores, rashes, or other signs consistent with syphilis, or if the patient has a known exposure to someone with syphilis. The test is also commonly ordered as part of routine screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly for pregnant individuals, as syphilis can be transmitted to the fetus and cause serious complications. Additionally, the test may be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for syphilis, as the titer levels can indicate whether the infection is responding to therapy.
What does a Syphilis RPR blood test check for?
The RPR test checks for the presence of non-treponemal antibodies in the blood, which are produced by the immune system in response to syphilis infection. These antibodies are not specific to syphilis and can sometimes be detected in other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or recent vaccinations. If the RPR test is reactive, the reflex to titer measures the concentration of these antibodies, providing a quantitative result. This titer helps determine the severity of the infection and can be used to track changes over time, particularly during treatment.


Lab tests often ordered with a Syphilis RPR test:
When an RPR test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or related conditions. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
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- Purpose: To confirm the presence of antibodies specifically against Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis.
- Why Is It Ordered: RPR is a non-treponemal test and can give false-positive results; confirmatory treponemal testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis of syphilis.
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Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Tests:
- Purpose: To test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are common bacterial STIs.
- Why Is It Ordered: These STIs often occur together with or present similarly to syphilis, so testing for them is usually part of a comprehensive STI screening.
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Hepatitis B and C Tests:
- Purpose: To screen for hepatitis B and C viruses, which can be transmitted sexually or through blood.
- Why Is It Ordered: To assess for co-infection, as hepatitis can have serious health implications and may affect the management of syphilis.
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- Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
- Why Is It Ordered: To assess general health status and detect any signs of infection or other health issues.
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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2 Serology:
- Purpose: To test for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, which causes oral and genital herpes.
- Why Is It Ordered: To diagnose herpes infection, as symptoms can sometimes be confused with syphilis.
These tests, when ordered alongside an RPR test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s STI status and overall health. They are critical for accurately diagnosing syphilis, assessing for co-infections, and guiding appropriate treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual's risk factors, symptoms, and clinical history.
Conditions where a Syphilis RPR test is recommended:
The RPR (Monitor) with Reflex to Titer test may be recommended in several situations. For individuals with symptoms of syphilis, such as painless sores (chancres), skin rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, the test can help confirm the diagnosis. It is also recommended for individuals who have had unprotected sex with a partner diagnosed with syphilis or who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Pregnant individuals are often screened for syphilis early in pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis, which can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, or severe developmental issues in the baby. Additionally, the test is used to monitor treatment progress in patients diagnosed with syphilis, as a decreasing titer indicates a positive response to therapy.
How does my health care provider use a Syphilis RPR test?
The results of the RPR (Monitor) with Reflex to Titer test can have several interpretations. A non-reactive result typically indicates no current or past syphilis infection, though early infections may not yet produce detectable antibodies. A reactive result with a high titer suggests an active or recent syphilis infection, requiring prompt treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin. A reactive result with a low titer may indicate a past infection that has been treated or a false positive due to other conditions. In pregnant individuals, a reactive result is critical to address immediately to prevent transmission to the fetus. For patients undergoing treatment, a declining titer over time indicates a positive response to therapy, while a stable or increasing titer may suggest treatment failure or reinfection.