MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Test, rapid plasma reagin: A screening blood test for syphilis. Rapid plasma reagin is commonly abbreviated RPR.
A negative ("nonreactive") RPR test result is compatible with a person not having syphilis. However, a person may have a negative RPR test and still have syphilis since, in the early stages of the disease, the RPR often gives negative results. This is a false negative RPR.
The RPR test is sometimes positive in the absence of syphilis. For example, a false positive RPR can be encountered in infectious mononucleosis , lupus, the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome , hepatitis A, leprosy, malaria and, occasionally, pregnancy.
The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is similar to the RPR test. It is also designed to detect an antibody substance in the bloodstream when syphilis is present but, as with the RPR, early syphilis infections may give a false negative result. The VDRL, like the RPR, can also give false positive results.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
