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Is an FTA ABS test necessary if the RPR is weakly reactive?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

This is regarding a syphilis test RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) ratio.
Answered by Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please post your query. Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My RPR titer ratio was 1:2. What does that mean? I read that is weakly reactive. I was asked to do a confirmatory test (FTA ABS). What is the difference? I know my partner was diagnosed with chlamydia and she told me. So, I got treated after the test. My RPR titer was prior to any medication. I know they are two different things. Just placed it there for background.

Answered by Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

RPR (rapid plasma reagin) detects antibodies against syphilis, and the antibodies in your serum are not present in enough quantity to state it as positive, that is, reactive. So, FTA ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test) has been advised to get the accurate status of syphilis. Chlamydia and RPR have no relation, and treatment of chlamydia will have no effect on RPR. Go for FTA ABS. Any history of genital ulcer or penile discharge?

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 1, 2018
Reviewed At December 23, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Atishay Bukharia
Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atishay Bukharia is a skilled specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, with expertise in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy-related conditions. He is proficient in advanced dermatological procedures, clinical diagnosis, and patient-focused care. Dr. Bukharia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to promote healthy skin and improve patients' overall dermatological well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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