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Syphilis test

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as Syphilis serology, Syphilis screen, Treponemal antibody, TPPA, TPHA

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result. A titre such as 1:8 on RPR is stored as printed.

What this test measures

Syphilis tests look for antibodies to the bacterium that causes it. A screening antibody stays positive for life after infection, and a second test (RPR or VDRL) shows whether it is active.

Why doctors request it

Routine in pregnancy and sexual health screening, and when unexplained rashes or ulcers occur.

What commonly pushes it up

Current or past syphilis
Occasionally a false positive on the RPR test in pregnancy, autoimmune conditions and some infections

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Results can be equivocal and are then repeated
Recent vaccination or infection elsewhere can occasionally give a weak positive

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.