Aa
Need help interpreting syphilis results.
I recently got back a full panel STD test and do not understand the results and would appreciate any feedback.
Here they are:
RPR (Diagnosis) with Reflex to Titer and Confirmatory Testing
RPR (DX) W/REFL TITER AND
CONFIRMATORY TESTING
RESULT: REACTIVE
FLAG: ABNORMAL
REFERENCE RANGE: NON-REACTIVE - This is what I really don't understand.
RPR TITER
RESULT: 1:1 - I'll be honest, I'm not the best with numbers. I tried to make sense of these ratios but I don't understand if 1:1 is "higher" than say, 1:2.
FLAG: High
No reference range listed for this.
I have taken one other STD test, last year, when I tested positive for chlamydia (nothing else) and a doctor prescribed me doxycycline. It cleared up in the span of 10-14 days (I had red bumps on the head of my penis, pain urinating, discharge etc). I did not take another test after that but wanted to have a recent result for a potential future partner. I've engaged in sexual activity with two people since then (September 2021). I received oral sex about 6 months ago and did not have any issues or symptoms. I have received oral sex from someone else since then 5-6 times and had sex with them once. When I got the result, I texted her. She has had multiple full panel tests over those months and they have been negative.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Here they are:
RPR (Diagnosis) with Reflex to Titer and Confirmatory Testing
RPR (DX) W/REFL TITER AND
CONFIRMATORY TESTING
RESULT: REACTIVE
FLAG: ABNORMAL
REFERENCE RANGE: NON-REACTIVE - This is what I really don't understand.
RPR TITER
RESULT: 1:1 - I'll be honest, I'm not the best with numbers. I tried to make sense of these ratios but I don't understand if 1:1 is "higher" than say, 1:2.
FLAG: High
No reference range listed for this.
I have taken one other STD test, last year, when I tested positive for chlamydia (nothing else) and a doctor prescribed me doxycycline. It cleared up in the span of 10-14 days (I had red bumps on the head of my penis, pain urinating, discharge etc). I did not take another test after that but wanted to have a recent result for a potential future partner. I've engaged in sexual activity with two people since then (September 2021). I received oral sex about 6 months ago and did not have any issues or symptoms. I have received oral sex from someone else since then 5-6 times and had sex with them once. When I got the result, I texted her. She has had multiple full panel tests over those months and they have been negative.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Okay, so it looks like the RPR was positive, and they did a confirmatory test, which is normal procedure, and that confirmatory test came back negative.
The 1:1 is the lowest it can be. 1:1 is lower than 1:2, or 1:64, or 1:256, etc. The RPR can give false positives, which is looks like you had. Sometimes there is a reason for it - pregnancy, some autoimmune disorders, a past syphilis infection, etc., can cause this, and sometimes there isn't a reason.
At 1:1, I'd say there might not be a reason.
The 1:1 is the lowest it can be. 1:1 is lower than 1:2, or 1:64, or 1:256, etc. The RPR can give false positives, which is looks like you had. Sometimes there is a reason for it - pregnancy, some autoimmune disorders, a past syphilis infection, etc., can cause this, and sometimes there isn't a reason.
At 1:1, I'd say there might not be a reason.
6 Comments
auntijessi,
Thank you so much! When you say the "confirmatory test came back negative," is this referring to the "non-reactive" reference range, or the 1:1 that was flagged as "High?" Does this mean they also performed a test like FTA-ABS (and they're just calling it confirmatory testing) and that came back negative? For example, if the confirmatory test came back negative, should I take a standalone test like FTA-ABS to show a negative result on its own? I would guess trying to explain these results as they are written to a potential partner would cause unease.
Thank you so much! When you say the "confirmatory test came back negative," is this referring to the "non-reactive" reference range, or the 1:1 that was flagged as "High?" Does this mean they also performed a test like FTA-ABS (and they're just calling it confirmatory testing) and that came back negative? For example, if the confirmatory test came back negative, should I take a standalone test like FTA-ABS to show a negative result on its own? I would guess trying to explain these results as they are written to a potential partner would cause unease.
Oh I'm so sorry. I read this wrong the first time.
So the confirmatory test would be something like an FTA-ABS, but I don't see the results for that, but if they are saying it's reactive, I'd wonder if that came back as reactive, too.
I think you need more info. Who did this test? Was it a doctor's office or an online site where you ordered it as part of a panel? Can you find out if the confirmatory test was done?
So the confirmatory test would be something like an FTA-ABS, but I don't see the results for that, but if they are saying it's reactive, I'd wonder if that came back as reactive, too.
I think you need more info. Who did this test? Was it a doctor's office or an online site where you ordered it as part of a panel? Can you find out if the confirmatory test was done?
It was performed at a Quest Diagnostics facility through an online website as part of a full panel. Last year I went to Urgent Care and they did the the blood and urine samples, but the test itself was through Quest (at least, that’s who the bill was from). When I tested positive for chlamydia, the local urgent care called me and notified me of my positive result and they sent out for a prescription of doxycycline that was ready very quickly. I do not know if Quest actually calls you or it just gives you the results. I have not been by contacted anyone yet. I was debating going to urgent care just to have them take a look at the results to interpret them, as getting an appointment with a doctor on short notice is difficult.
What site is it? Many offer treatment as part of their services. Are they offering you treatment? A doctor consult?
If they offer a doctor consult, take it.
If they offer a doctor consult, take it.
It is prioritystdtesting.com. I am going to try getting in touch with someone today!
They say they have patient care counselors, and treatment options available.
https://www.prioritystdtesting.com/testing-options/syphilis-testing/
The treatment, if they think you need it, is penicillin shots. They may offer doxy treatment, but it's not as effective as the shots.
https://www.prioritystdtesting.com/testing-options/syphilis-testing/
The treatment, if they think you need it, is penicillin shots. They may offer doxy treatment, but it's not as effective as the shots.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
