RPR for Syphilis

Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum

Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature Refrigerated, Stability 7 days

Reject Criteria

  • Gross hemolysis
  • Hyperlipemia
  • CSF

Methodology Flocculation

Clinical Significance This is a non-treponemal screening test for syphilis. False positive results may occur due to systemic lupus erythematosus, malaria, mononucleosis, infectious hepatitis, leprosy, brucellosis, atypical pneumonia, typhus, yaws, pinta, or pregnancy. Positive results should be confirmed with a more specific treponema pallidum antibody test (FTA-ABS). Monitoring of RPR is helpful in assessing effectiveness of therapy.