Syphilis Profile (RPR, TPHA, FTA-Abs)

Description

Syphilis Profile (RPR, TPHA, FTA-Abs) – Comprehensive Diagnostic Test for Syphilis Detection

The Syphilis Profile (RPR, TPHA, FTA-Abs) from Lab Tests Dubai is a gold-standard, multi-tiered diagnostic paneldesigned to detect and confirm syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

This advanced serum-based test combines three critical methodologies:

• RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) – a non-treponemal screening test that detects reagin antibodies (indicating active infection or tissue damage)
• TPHA (Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay) – a treponemal confirmatory test with high sensitivity
• FTA-Abs (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption) – a highly specific confirmatory test that differentiates syphilis from other infections

Using automated agglutination and fluorescent immunoassay techniques, this test delivers highly accurate results within just 2 days, making it essential for:

• Diagnosing primary, secondary, latent, or tertiary syphilis
• Prenatal screening to prevent congenital syphilis
• Confirming past or treated infections
• Monitoring treatment response
• STD screening for high-risk individuals

Available with confidential home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures privacy, accuracy, and peace of mind—so you can take control of your sexual health without stigma

Why You Need This Test

Syphilis is often called “the great imitator” because it mimics other diseases—and can remain silent for years.

You need the Syphilis Profile if:

• You’ve had unprotected sex or a new sexual partner
• You’re pregnant (routine screening at first prenatal visit)
• You’re HIV-positive (higher risk of STIs)
• You have rash, sores, or swollen lymph nodes
• You’re undergoing routine STD screening
• You’ve been exposed to someone diagnosed with syphilis
• You’re being evaluated for neurological or cardiovascular symptoms of late-stage syphilis

This 3-test panel avoids false positives and ensures:

• Early detection before complications arise
• Accurate diagnosis (distinguishes active vs. past infection)
• Safe pregnancy outcomes
• Effective treatment with penicillin

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the Syphilis Profile if you experience:

✅ Primary Syphilis:

• Painless chancre (ulcer) on genitals, anus, or mouth (appears 10–90 days after exposure)
• Swollen lymph nodes near the sore

✅ Secondary Syphilis:

• Rash on palms and soles (non-itchy)
• Fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches
• Patchy hair loss
• Wart-like lesions (condylomata lata)

✅ Latent & Tertiary Syphilis:

• No symptoms (latent phase)
• Neurological issues: headaches, vision changes, dementia
• Cardiovascular problems: aortic aneurysm
• Gummas (soft tissue tumors)

✅ Other Indicators:

• Partner diagnosed with syphilis
• Positive HIV test
• Planning pregnancy or prenatal checkup

Even if you feel fine, you could be infected—and transmitting it unknowingly.

Natural Production: How Antibodies Reveal Syphilis Infection

When the body is infected with Treponema pallidum, it produces two types of antibodies:

1. Non-Treponemal Antibodies (RPR)
   • Target cardiolipin, a substance released from damaged cells
   • Rise during active infection
   • Decrease with treatment – useful for monitoring therapy
2. Treponemal Antibodies (TPHA & FTA-Abs)
   • Target specific proteins of T. pallidum
   • Appear earlier and last for life – even after treatment
   • Confirm past or current infection

This dual approach ensures:

• RPR: Screens and monitors disease activity
• TPHA/FTA-Abs: Confirms true syphilis infection

Note: Once positive, treponemal tests remain positive for life—but RPR should decline with treatment.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring Syphilis

Ignoring syphilis can lead to devastating, preventable complications:

⚠️ Neurosyphilis – meningitis, stroke, dementia, blindness
⚠️ Cardiovascular Syphilis – aortic aneurysm, valve damage
⚠️ Congenital Syphilis – stillbirth, deformities, blindness in newborns
⚠️ Increased HIV Risk – open sores increase transmission risk
⚠️ Organ Damage – liver, kidneys, bones

The good news? Syphilis is 100% curable with penicillin—if caught early.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparing for the Syphilis Profile is simple:

✅ No fasting required
✅ No special preparation
✅ Inform your doctor if:

• You’ve had recent syphilis treatment
• You’re on antibiotics
• You have autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus – can cause false RPR+)
  ✅ No abstinence or lifestyle changes needed

A serum blood sample is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via confidential home collection.

Test Overview: Multi-Method Serology Approach

Feature	Details
Test Name	Syphilis Profile – RPR, TPHA, FTA-Abs
Sample Type	Serum (Blood)
Methodology

• RPR: Non-treponemal Agglutination Test
• TPHA: Passive Hemagglutination Assay
• FTA-Abs: Fluorescent Immunoassay (IFA)
  | Turnaround Time (TAT) | 2 Days | | Category | STD Testing / Infectious Disease | | Purpose | Detect, confirm, and monitor syphilis infection | | Testing Location | Lab Tests Dubai – Accredited Labs & Home Collection Across UAE |

Interpretation:

RPR	TPHA/FTA-Abs	Likely Status
Negative	Negative	No infection
Positive	Positive	Active or past syphilis
Negative	Positive	Treated or latent syphilis
Positive	Negative	False RPR+” (e.g.e.g., lupus, pregnancy)

Results include clinical correlation notes for your doctor.

FAQs About the Syphilis Profile Test

Q: Can I test too early after exposure?
A: Yes. RPR may be negative in first 1–2 weeks. Test 3 weeks post-exposure for accuracy.

Q: Can I have a positive test without syphilis?
A: RPR can be falsely positive in pregnancy, lupus, or viral infections. TPHA/FTA-Abs confirm true infection.

Q: Is this test confidential?
A: Yes. Lab Tests Dubai ensures 100% privacy—no one sees your results but you.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Direct online booking available—ideal for discreet STD screening.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 48 hours, including all three test results.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Prenatal and STD screening is fully covered by all UAE insurers.

If you’re sexually active, the Syphilis Profile (RPR, TPHA, FTA-Abs) gives you the answers you need in just 2 days—with complete confidentiality.