A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: vdrl/rpr positive for syphilis?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Dominic Riganotti answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Antibodies: Ok..Lets separate these first. The venereal disease research laboratory test or vdrl is a blood test for syphilis and was developed by the former venereal disease research laboratory. Rapid plasma reagin (rpr) refers to a type of test that looks for non-specific antibodies in the blood of the patient that may indicate that the organism (treponema pallidum) that causes syphilis is present.

Answered 11/28/2017

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Dr. Kevin Brown answered

Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Syphilis: Vdrl and RPR are two nonspecific tests that are used to screen serum for syphilis. They are not diagnostic tests because they can be fooled by blood components other than actual syphilis. The test is usually used for general screening of patients without lesions. If the test is positive, it should be followed by a more specific test such as fta-abs. Please talk to your md. They can easily answer.

Answered 11/29/2015

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