Which algorithm should be used to screen for syphilis?

Which algorithm should be used to screen for syphilis?

Recent findings: Screening for syphilis using a treponemal assay detects a higher number of patients with reactive results compared to traditional screening by rapid plasma reagin (RPR).

What is the standard test for syphilis?

Screening tests for syphilis include: Rapid plasma reagin (RPR), a syphilis blood test that looks for antibodies to the syphilis bacteria. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight foreign substances, such as bacteria.

What are the two tests used to diagnose syphilis?

Tests used to confirm a syphilis infection include: Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test. This blood test checks for syphilis antibodies. A positive EIA test should be confirmed with either the VDRL or RPR tests.

Which syphilis test is positive first?

A serum treponemal test is obtained first. A negative test makes neurosyphilis unlikely. If the initial treponemal test is inconclusive, another treponemal-specific test should be obtained (figure 2). Following a positive serum treponemal test, a nontreponemal test should be ordered (e.g., RPR).

How accurate is syphilis blood test?

The chance of a false-positive syphilis test is about 1% to 2%. “False positive” means the test is positive but the patient, in reality, does not have syphilis.

How often is RPR false-positive?

We found a false positivity rate in total treponemal testing of 0.26%—0.1% in TPPA and 3% in RPR. Our population has a high number of prenatal screens and autoimmune diseases, both of which are more likely to have biological false positives in the RPR screen, a tendency we observed.

How can you get a false-positive for syphilis?

False-positive nontreponemal test results can be associated with various medical conditions unrelated to syphilis, including autoimmune disorders, older age, and injection drug use. Screening tests, such as the VDRL and RPR, are relatively simple to perform and provide rapid results.

What is the difference between RPR and syphilis?

RPR is not specific to just syphilis. If your RPR test is positive, you will need more tests to confirm that you have syphilis. One of the most common tests used to confirm a syphilis diagnosis is the T. pallidum enzyme immunoassay.

Can you get a false positive for syphilis?

The RPR test also can produce false-positive results, suggesting you have syphilis when you actually don’t. One reason for a false positive is the presence of another disease that produces antibodies similar to the ones produced during a syphilis infection.

What is the reverse syphilis testing algorithm?

The reverse syphilis testing algorithm is used in Alberta. This form of testing involves the use of a treponeme specific test as a screening test – the EIA. All specimens with positive EIAs subsequently have the RPR test and a confirmatory treponeme specific test performed.

What are the recommendations for syphilis serology testing in Canada?

For recommendations on serology testing in congenital syphilis or in babies born to mothers with reactive syphilis serology, refer to the Canadian Paediatric Society article Congenital syphilis: no longer just of historic interest. Note: Always collect and disclose relevant health information according to provincial/territorial requirements.

What is EIA test for syphilis?

B: Serology Syphilis enzyme immunoassay (EIA) This is the screening test for syphilis and measures IgM and IgG antibody specific for Treponema pallidum (antitreponemal antibodies). Estimated turnaround time for test result is within 48 hours of receipt at the lab. 2) Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)

Can a syphilis test be positive after a recent infection?

However, recent infection cannot be ruled out and repeat testing should be considered in patients who have had a recent high-risk sexual exposure.11In most cases of active syphilis, the nontreponemal test will be positive and a titer will be performed.