Syphilis Tests - Syphilis Testing

Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test

The most common syphilis tests performed are the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test. A blood sample is taken to look for antibodies that are present in patients who have the syphilis disease.

If the RPR test comes back negative, it typically means that you do not have the syphilis. However, there can be a false negative if your body is not producing the proper antibodies.  Therefore, if you are experiencing persistent syphilis symptoms and the test comes back negative, other syphilis testing may be done to confirm the result.

Additional Syphilis Tests

If the RPR test has a positive result, it may mean you have syphilis. A confirmatory test (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption or FTA-ABS test) will be performed at no additional charge. This test will determine if the positive was caused by syphilis or another disease.

Infections that may result in a false positive include:

• HIV
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Lyme disease
• Pneumonia
• Lupus
• Malaria

Obtaining a confidential syphilis test is as simple as contacting our counselors to schedule a test at one of our local testing clinics near you.