This description aims to provide patients with some useful information on the tests which may be included as part of their health screening. The tests are explained briefly. Because reference ranges are typically defined as the range of values of the median 95% of the healthy population, it is unlikely that a given specimen, even from a healthy individual, will show “normal” values for all tests. All results should be correlated with patient’s history and clinical findings. Therefore, your physician is the best person to interpret your laboratory results. Always consult your physician.
The VD (RPR) test is a screening test for syphilis infection. The test will be reactive (positive) after about two to four weeks following infection. Although the VD (RPR) test is a sensitive test, it is not very specific for syphilis infection, with occurrences of false positives. Hence, if the VD (RPR) test is reactive, the Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination Test (TPPA) is performed to aid in the diagnosis of syphilis infection.