What it means
A nontreponemal test: it does not look for the syphilis bacterium itself but for antibodies made when it damages cells. A reactive (positive) result is confirmed with a treponemal test that is specific to syphilis. The result is also given as a titer (such as 1:32), and a falling titer after treatment shows the treatment worked. Pregnancy, autoimmune disease and some infections can give a false positive.
For the nurse
It is part of the routine tests at the first prenatal visit, and some clients are tested again later in pregnancy. A positive result is reported to public health, and partners need testing and treatment.
At a glance
| Normal range | Nonreactive |
|---|---|
| Also written | RPR, RPR test |
Related terms
sexually transmitted infection
An infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.
Argyll Robertson pupil
A small, often irregular pupil that narrows when the eyes focus on something near but does not narrow when light shines in it.
Hutchinson teeth
Small, widely spaced upper front teeth that are narrow at the biting edge, with a notch in the middle.