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Test ID RPRT Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), Response to Therapy, Serum

Useful For

Determining the current disease status and evaluating response to therapy for syphilis

Method Name

Flocculation

Reporting Name

RPR, Response to Therapy, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Clinical Information

Syphilis is a disease caused by infection with the spirochete Treponema pallidum. The infection is systemic and the disease is characterized by periods of latency. These features, together with the fact that Treponema pallidum cannot be isolated in culture, mean that serologic techniques play a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of treatment for syphilis.

 

Patients with primary or secondary syphilis should be reexamined clinically and serologically 6 months and 12 months following treatment. Typically, rapid plasma reagin titers decrease following successful treatment but this may occur over a period of months to years.

 

Reference Values

Negative

Cautions

This test should not be used as a primary diagnostic approach for syphilis. For patients with suspected, undiagnosed syphilis, a serum specimen should be submitted for a treponemal-specific antibody test (eg, SYPGR / Syphilis IgG Antibody with Reflex, Serum).

 

This test cannot be used for testing spinal fluid specimens.

 

Biological false-positive reactions with cardiolipin-type antigens have been reported in disease such as infectious mononucleosis, leprosy, malaria, lupus erythematosus, vaccinia, and viral pneumonia. Pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, and narcotic addictions may give false-positives. Pinta, yaws, bejel, and other treponemal diseases may also produce positive results with this test.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m.

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

86592

NY State Approved

Yes