Suggest Tests To Rule Out Syphilis

Posted on Wed, 16 Aug 2017

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

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 Answered on

Thu, 7 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I took a std test. It came back positive for preliminary then came back negative this was for syphilis. What does this mean?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Negative specific test ruled out Syphilis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
Thanks for posting your query.
There are various tests available to test for Syphilis. Reagin nonspecific tests and teponemal specific tests.
I would like to know the name of the test you had undergone before I comment on this.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (10 minutes later)

It was the RPR test that was preliminary positive

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of biological false positive, unlikely be due to Syphilis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
RPR test positive and specific test negative means it is a case of biological false positive.
That is nonspecific test may show reactive in conditions other than Syphilis also.
Consult your doctor and rule out the possible causes for false positive result.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 minutes later)

This was a lab that did my test. Lab Corp. My doctor doesn't receive the results. Would I have to ask my Doctor to re test? Would this be any relation Lupus my grandmother had it.If I had a UTI and was on antibiotics when I took the test would that have interfered?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lupus erythematosis can cause biological false positive result

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
False positive test for Syphilis can occur with variety of conditions ranging from high fever, vaccination procedures, leprosy and auto immune disorders.
Lupus erythematosis is also one of the autoimmune disorder that can cause BFP.
Consult your physician and get diagnosed.
Dr S Murugan

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