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I Just Had An STD Screening. My Syphilis Test Reacted But The RPI Titer Was 1:1. Could It Be A False Positive?

Posted on Tue, 13 Feb 2024

Question: I just had an STD screening. My syphilis test reacted but the RPI titer was 1:1. Could it be a false positive? I was tested for it six years ago and was negative.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow it with TPHA test

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

RPR is a screening test for syphilis. Yes it could be false positive. This test should be followed by TPHA. If the treponemal test is also positive, then it will be true positive.

Regards,
Dr Vaishalee

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

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (6 minutes later)

Ok
If it turns out it is a true positive does that mean I was just recently infected?

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treponemal test positive could mean recent or past infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

If treponemal test is positive, then it could mean recent or past infection. Since your RPR test 6 years ago was negative, then it could mean that you contracted infection after that.

Regards,
Dr Vaishalee

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

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