Test library
Syphilis RPR Screening Test
The RPR test is a nontreponemal blood test used to screen for syphilis. It detects antibodies that appear during infection and is often paired with a treponemal test to confirm results.
Order RPR Test (Syphilis)
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order RPR Test (Syphilis)- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $49
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The RPR test, short for rapid plasma reagin, is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It detects antibodies that the body produces during infection, and the level can be reported as a titer. Because screening tests can give false results, a reactive RPR is usually confirmed with a treponemal test. A qualified healthcare provider interprets the findings and advises on next steps.
What this test measures
Syphilis is a bacterial infection passed through sexual contact. It can progress in stages and may cause few or no symptoms for long periods, which is why screening matters. The RPR test is a nontreponemal assay, meaning it detects antibodies released in response to infection rather than antibodies aimed at the bacterium itself. This makes it useful for screening and for tracking response to treatment.
The sample is a blood draw. Results are reported as reactive or nonreactive, and a reactive result is usually given as a titer, a measure of how diluted the sample can be while antibodies are still detected. Titers can rise during active infection and fall after successful treatment. A reactive screen is typically confirmed with a treponemal test such as a T. pallidum antibody assay.
The test may be ordered for routine sexual health screening, after a possible exposure, during pregnancy, or when symptoms suggest infection. Nontreponemal tests can occasionally be reactive for reasons unrelated to syphilis, and they can be negative very early in infection. Clinicians combine the RPR result with a confirmatory test, symptoms, and history before making decisions.
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) antibodies
- RPR titer
- Reagin antibody level
- Treponema pallidum confirmatory antibodies
- Nontreponemal antibody screen result
- Additional treponemal assay when paired
- HIV test when ordered together
Why people order this test
- Routine screening for a common sexually transmitted infection
- Follow up after a possible exposure
- Screen during pregnancy as part of prenatal care
- Confirm a reactive screening result with a second test
- Monitor a titer during and after treatment
- Evaluate symptoms that could be consistent with syphilis
How to prepare
No fasting is required. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually at the arm. Follow any timing instructions provided with the order, since testing too soon after an exposure can affect results.
Understanding your results
Results are usually reported within one to three business days. A nonreactive result suggests no evidence of infection at the time of collection, while a reactive result is normally confirmed with a treponemal test. A healthcare provider should review any reactive result and discuss appropriate next steps.
Syphilis RPR Screening Test by state
Alabama
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Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Colorado
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Connecticut
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Delaware
Syphilis RPR Screening Test across Delaware.
Florida
Syphilis RPR Screening Test across Florida.
Georgia
Syphilis RPR Screening Test across Georgia.
Hawaii
Syphilis RPR Screening Test across Hawaii.
Idaho
Syphilis RPR Screening Test across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the RPR test detect?
It detects antibodies produced in response to syphilis infection. It is a screening test, so a reactive result is usually confirmed with a more specific treponemal test.
How is the sample collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What is an RPR titer?
A titer shows how much the sample can be diluted while antibodies are still detected. Titers are used to help judge disease activity and response to treatment.
Can the test be negative early in infection?
Yes. It can take time after exposure for antibodies to become detectable, so testing too soon can produce a negative result. A provider can advise on retesting timing.
Does a reactive result always mean syphilis?
Not always. Other conditions can occasionally cause a reactive nontreponemal test, which is why confirmation with a treponemal assay is standard.
Do I need to fast?
No fasting is required for this test.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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