What is RPR test during pregnancy?

The RPR test can be used to screen for syphilis. It is used to screen people who have symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and is routinely used to screen pregnant women for the disease. The test is also used to see how treatment for syphilis is working.

When is RPR test done in pregnancy?

They recommend that pregnant women who are considered at high risk of acquiring syphilis should also be tested at the beginning of the third trimester. The AAP and the ACOG advise using a nontreponemal screening test initially (RPR or VDRL test), followed by a confirmatory treponemal antibody test.

What does a positive RPR test mean?

Depending on the stage of syphilis, the RPR test may produce false-negative results. Positive results. You may have syphilis if the RPR test results are positive. Further testing is often required to confirm a positive diagnosis and that the test wasn’t a false-positive. ‌Abnormal results, false-negative.

What is RPR test in pregnancy non reactive?

A nonreactive RPR result means there were no antibodies to syphilis found in the blood sample. If you have been confirmed as nonreactive and you or your doctor still believe that you are at high risk for syphilis, it is advised to wait three weeks and retest to confirm you did not receive a false-negative result.

Why does pregnancy cause false positive RPR?

However, the main reason why pregnant women tend to receive false positive test results for Syphilis so often is due to any recent acute illnesses as this causes the production of antibodies, fooling the test into thinking they are Syphilis positive.

Is RPR always positive?

Among people who are in the secondary (middle) stage of infection, the RPR test result is nearly always positive. The RPR test also can produce false-positive results, suggesting you have syphilis when you actually don’t.

How many times do you get tested for syphilis during pregnancy?

Serologic testing should also be performed twice during the third trimester: at 28 weeks’ gestation and at delivery for pregnant women who live in communities with high rates of syphilis and for women who have been at risk for syphilis acquisition during pregnancy.

Why did my doctor test me for syphilis during pregnancy?

CS prevention relies on screening and treatment of pregnant women found to have syphilis. Many states’ laws require syphilis testing of pregnant women. State policies regarding prenatal syphilis screening may be one way to address rising CS rates through increased screening.

What happens if you test positive for syphilis while pregnant?

Syphilis in pregnant women can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or the baby’s death shortly after birth. Approximately 40% of babies born to women with untreated syphilis can be stillborn or die from the infection as a newborn.

How common is a false-positive RPR in pregnancy?

False positive Syphilis tests are fairly common in pregnancy firstly because it is recommended that every pregnant woman is tested for Syphilis which in itself increases the odds.