What are the two test for syphilis?
Two general types are available for syphilis testing, nontreponemal antibody test and treponemal antibody test (derived from the name of the bacterium).
What is the most accurate test for syphilis?
The direct fluorescent antibody test for T pallidum is easier to perform than dark-field microscopy. It detects antigen and, thus, does not require the presence of motile treponemes. It is the most specific test for the diagnosis of syphilis when lesions are present.
What does RPR test for?
RPR (rapid plasma reagin) is a screening test for syphilis. It measures substances (proteins) called antibodies that are present in the blood of people who may have the disease. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
Is RPR a treponemal test?
Therefore, VDRL or RPR results are confirmed by a Treponema pallidum-specific antibody test, such as Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TP-PA).
What is VDRL test for syphilis?
The VDRL test is a screening test for syphilis. It measures substances (proteins), called antibodies, which your body may produce if you have come in contact with the bacteria that cause syphilis. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
Is VDRL and RPR test same?
The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test uses the same antigen as VDRL, but the antigen is bound to a carbon particle to allow visualization of the reaction without a microscope. VDRL or RPR titers are monitored to document response to therapy. RPR titers are frequently higher than VDRL titers.
What is the difference between treponemal and nontreponemal test?
Treponemal tests detect antibody to T pallidum proteins. Nontreponemal tests detect antibodies directed against lipoidal antigens, damaged host cells, and possibly from treponemes. Both tests are used to confirm the infection and determine whether the disease is active.
What is RPR with TP-PA?
Reagin antibodies are non-treponemal antibodies produced by the body’s defense mechanism in response to an infection with Treponema pallidum. If the RPR is reactive, a quantitative titer and a Syphilis TP will be performed. The Syphilis TP test is an automated confirmatory chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Why is VDRL test positive?
A positive test result means you may have syphilis. If the test is positive, the next step is to confirm the results with an FTA-ABS test, which is a more specific syphilis test. The VDRL test’s ability to detect syphilis depends on the stage of the disease.