RPR stands for?

• A. Rapid Protein Reagent
• B. Rapid Plasma Reagin
• C. Reactive Plasma Reagent
• D. Rapid Pathogen Reagent

Answer: (B)

RPR stands for Rapid Plasma Reagin, a rapid screening test used for syphilis. It detects reagin antibodies in plasma that react with cardiolipin-containing complexes (a lipid–protein combination released from damaged cells), making it a non-treponemal test. Because it targets these non-specific antibodies rather than the actual bacterium, the test is quick and useful for initial screening, but it can yield false positives in conditions like pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, or other infections. A positive RPR should be followed by a treponemal-specific test (such as FTA-ABS or TP-PA) to confirm infection. The test titers can also help monitor treatment response, as decreasing titers indicate successful therapy.