What does RPR stand for in medical testing?

The term RPR stands for Rapid Plasma Reagin. This is a non-treponemal test primarily used for the screening of syphilis. It detects the presence of reagin antibodies in the plasma, which may indicate a syphilis infection. The RPR test is popular due to its quick turnaround time and the ability to process a large number of samples efficiently.

The RPR test works by mixing the patient’s serum with a charcoal-coated card that contains cardiolipin, cholesterol, and lecithin. If reagin antibodies are present, they will bind to these components, forming visible flocculent aggregates that can be observed as a positive result. This sensitivity makes it a useful tool in both initial screening and follow-up after treatment.

Understanding what RPR stands for is crucial for health care professionals as it reflects both the test's purpose and the underlying immunological mechanisms involved in syphilis diagnosis.