Syphilis screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Syphilis screening tests, such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests are cheap and fast but not completely specific, as many other conditions can cause a positive result.

Screening

• Syphilis screening tests, such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) tests are cheap and fast but not completely specific, as many other conditions can cause a positive result.

• These tests are routinely used to screen blood donors. Notably, the spirochete that causes syphilis does not survive the conditions used to store blood and the number of transfusion transmitted cases of syphilis is minuscule, but the test is used to identify donors that might have contracted HIV from high risk sexual activity.

• The requirement to test for syphilis has been challenged due to the vast improvements in HIV testing.

• False positives on the rapid tests can be seen in viral infections (Epstein-Barr, hepatitis, varicella, measles), lymphoma, tuberculosis, malaria, endocarditis, connective tissue disease, pregnancy, intravenous drug abuse, or contamination. As a result, these two screening tests should always be followed up by a more specific treponemal test.

US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendation [2]

“

Grade A recommendation 1. Screen all pregnant women for syphilis infection.

”

References

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