| Alternative Names:
|
| Venereal Disease Research Laboratory slide test |
| Normal Values:
|
| The value of a negative test depends on the stage of syphilis that is suspected. Screening test is most valuable in secondary and latent syphilis as it will most likely be positive during these stages. During primary and tertiary syphilis this test may be falsely negative and additional testing may be needed prior to ruling out syphilis. |
| What abnormal results mean:
|
| A positive test result may indicate underlying syphilis. If the screening test is positive -- the next step is to obtain a confirmatory test such as FTA-ABS which is more specific for syphilis as certain underlying illnesses can be associated with a positive test without actual infection with syphilis. These include HIV and other viral infections, mycoplasma pneumonia, lyme disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune diseases. |
