title: The asymptomatic patient with a positive VDRL test.
abstract: Although VDRL and RPR tests are excellent screens for syphilis, false-positive reactions do occur. A positive VDRL or RPR test must be confirmed with an FTA-ABS test. Patients with positive serologic tests should have a thorough physical examination to determine the stage of syphilis. A patient with a low-titer VDRL or RPR may have active disease and may require lumbar puncture to rule out neurosyphilis.
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Feder
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manthous
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013587:Syphilis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology