Can VDRL And TPHA Tests Come False Negative?

Posted on Sun, 21 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am vdrl and tpha positive and my husband tested vdrl/for negative. Is this possible?
My husband has had oral sex in the past,the last instance would have been more than a year back,then how come he is vdrl negative and I am vdrl positive?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us

This is possible if you took treatment for syphilis and that prevented transmission to your husband.
I would like to know what was the vdrl titre?both your and your husband's vdrl?
Was your husband tested for tpha as well?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

No.i got myself tested only 2 days back.So i didnt start any treatment till now.My husband didn't test for tpha.Husband's vdrl titers was not mentioned in the report.Mine vdrl also no titers was mentioned;It said REACTIVE WITH ZERO DILUTION.My tpha Titers was 1:80

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vdrl titres should be available before commencing treatment

Detailed Answer:
hi.

You should have vdrl titres in hand before commmencing treatment. This is to guide future response to treatment. Your husband should also undergo tpha test. Both of you should be treated for syphilis if you have been sexually active together.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)

Is there no chance of both vdrl and tpha tests being false positive? If my husband is again negative for tpha,then what should we do?Should he still undergo treatment for syphilis?I have not had sex with any other person in my life till date.So how did I test positive for vdrl and tpha?I am totally shattered mentally doctor. Please give it valuable advise on the above

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vdrl should be redone for both along with titres

Detailed Answer:
hi.

I can understand your state of mind. However it is very unlikely that both vdrl and tpha would be falsely positive.
Your husband could be falsely negative though because of prozone phenonmena. He should repeat vdrl along with titres as well as tpha should be reported.
If you both have been sexually active you both should be treated.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)

I discussed this with my husband now and he informed me that he did tpha,vdrl and hiv test in XXXXXXX 2016 as a part of medical test when he got a job in gulf.The same 3 tests were again repeated when he reached gulf.On both these occasions he tested negative .He again tested vdrl on my insistence yesterday and once again he tested negative.What is your further advise on This,doctor?.

Can I Please expect a reply to my above question,doctor.I am anxious to know about our problem which may affect our family life in future.So kindly advise us.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do a different specific serologic test for syphilis i.e FTA ABS

Detailed Answer:
hi.

in that case you may do a different specific serologic test got syphilis FTA ABS. If this also turns out to be positive then its confirmatory for syphilis.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar