What Causes False Negative Test Reports For Syphilis?

Posted on Sun, 14 Aug 2016

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

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 Answered on

Wed, 7 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I know for %100 I have syphillis. My ex was diagnosed and treated for it. How can I convince my doctor of this as my blood test come back as a false negative??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please elaborate about your symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Do you have any symptoms?
What makes you think that you have syphilis?
Only blood test is not confirmative of syphilis.
Please elaborate about your symptoms.
Ask your doctor to do syphilis specific test such as TPHA.
It is highly sensitive and specific test.
Waiting for your response.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (2 hours later)

My symptons are quite severe now. I have a rash of chancre sores on my feet and lower legs. They get worse when it is hot outside. I also have blemishes that resemble the rash on my genitals and my anus itches constantly. There is also some joint pain and I feel fatigued a bit more.

I don't think I have syphillis, I KNOW I do. The woman I got it from was diagnosed and treated. She had to beg the Dr's to do a specific test a few times before it came back positive.

My insurance is mandatory that I see a General Practictioner before I can see an Infectious Diseases Specialist. I have tried in the past to get help but I keep getting sent to a Dermatologist and they won't listen and keep giving me cream for Psoriasis that never helps.

Any help is great. Thank you your resonse.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Please ask your doctor to get VDRL and TPHA done.
This should clear everything.

I am not sure if these tests were performed; if it isn't done yet, please discuss with your treating doctor, These test results were enough to rule out syphillis.

Let me know the results.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 hours later)

Thank you. I have an appointment tomorrow. I will let you know.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Waiting for your response.

Detailed Answer:
Waiting for your response.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

I had my office visit today and was examined by a very smart Resident Dr. He ordered the TPHA test before I even asked. Hopefully I can get this cleared up and get on the recovery process.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (39 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing u good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Waiting for your results.
Thank you.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj