Definition of RPR test
RPR test: Rapid plasma reagin, a blood test for syphilis
that looks for an antibody that is present in the bloodstream when a
patient has syphilis.
A negative (nonreactive) RPR is compatible
with a person not having syphilis, but in the early stages of the
disease, the RPR often gives false negative results. Conversely, a
false positive RPR can be encountered in infectious mononucleosis,
lupus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, hepatitis A, leprosy,
malaria and, occasionally, pregnancy.
See also syphilis; syphilis
test, VDRL.
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