How is the RPR Test Used in Combination with Other Tests?

To improve accuracy, the RPR test is often used in conjunction with other tests:

1. Confirmatory Testing: Positive RPR results are usually confirmed with a treponemal test such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test or the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) test, which specifically detects antibodies against the syphilis bacterium.
2. Reverse Algorithm: In some cases, a reverse algorithm is used where a treponemal test is performed first, followed by the RPR test if the initial test is positive. This approach helps to reduce the number of false positives.