General

Synonym/Acronym:
Automated reagin testing (ART), fluorescent treponemal antibody testing (FTA-ABS), microhemagglutination–Treponema pallidum (MHA-TP), rapid plasma reagin (RPR), treponemal studies, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) testing.

Rationale
To indicate past or present syphilis infection.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings
Method: Dark-field microscopy, rapid plasma reagin, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microhemagglutination, fluorescence. Nonreactive or absence of treponemal organisms.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
Specific infectious organisms are required to be reported to local, state, and national departments of health. Lists of specific organisms may vary among facilities. State health departments provide information regarding reportable diseases, which can be accessed at each state health department Web site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information regarding national notifiable diseases at https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/search-results-year.