serologic test for syphilis

^[1]^[2]^[3]

Introduction

Two types of serologic tests are used for the diagnosis of syphilis: non treponemal & treponemal assays.

a positive treponemal assay with a negative non-treponemal assay (RPR or VDRL) is consistent with treated syphilis^[3]*

* check for history of treated syphilis in patient medical history

↑ Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1186
↑ Park IU et al. Screening for syphilis with the treponemal immunoassay: Analysis of discordant serology results and implications for clinical management. J Infect Dis 2011 Nov 1; 204:1297 PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21930610
Hoover KW and Radolf JD. Serodiagnosis of syphilis in the recombinant era: Reversal of fortune. J Infect Dis 2011 Nov 1; 204:1295. PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21921204
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 18, 19. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2018, 2021