What Is RPR in a Blood Test?

The world of blood testing is filled with abbreviations that may appear cryptic to most people. One of those terms, RPR, often shows up on lab results and raises immediate questions. The RPR blood test, which stands for Rapid Plasma Reagin, is a diagnostic tool that has played a central role in medicine for decades. Its primary use

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RPR Test Non-Reactive: What Does It Mean for Your Health?

Your RPR Test Results Health screenings can bring relief, anxiety, or a sense of uncertainty—sometimes all at once. One widely used blood test, the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), plays a key role in detecting syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can have serious consequences if left untreated. If your laboratory report reads RPR “non-reactive,” what does this result actually mean? Is it a cause for celebration, or does it call for further

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RPR DX with Reflex Titer and Confirmatory Testing

Demystifying the RPR Diagnostic Pathway In today’s fast-paced medical landscape, understanding diagnostic tests is essential for patients and providers alike. One test that plays a pivotal role in the detection and management of syphilis—a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with potentially serious health consequences—is the RPR DX with Reflex Titer and Confirmatory Testing. Syphilis often earns its

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Rubella Vaccination

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. While mild or asymptomatic in most individuals, rubella poses a severe threat to pregnant women, as infection during early pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects such as deafness,

RSV Vaccination at 32 to 36 Weeks Gestation to Prevent RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants, particularly during the first months of life. It leads to thousands of hospitalizations and significant morbidity annually. Neonates are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, and RSV seasonality means many are born during peak transmission periods. Recent advances

Rotavirus Vaccination

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration, rotavirus infection results in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries. Prior to the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, the virus accounted for more than 450,000 child deaths annually. Rotavirus vaccination represents

ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a distinct molecular subtype of lung cancer characterized by gene rearrangements involving the ROS1 proto-oncogene. These rearrangements lead to constitutive activation of the ROS1 tyrosine kinase domain, driving oncogenic signaling that promotes cellular proliferation and survival. Although ROS1 rearrangements occur in only approximately 1–2% of NSCLC cases, their

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe and potentially life-threatening tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. First identified in the Rocky Mountains, the disease now occurs throughout the Americas, with the highest incidence reported in the southeastern and south-central United States. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical due to the rapid progression

Risk Reduction for Recurrent Preterm Birth

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recurrent preterm birth, which occurs when a woman has experienced a previous preterm delivery, significantly increases the risk of subsequent early deliveries. A history of spontaneous preterm birth is one of the strongest predictors for

Risk of Measles Exposure

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the Measles morbillivirus, known for its airborne transmission and rapid outbreak potential. Despite being vaccine-preventable, measles continues to pose significant global health risks, particularly in populations with low immunization coverage. Understanding the dynamics of exposure and implementing robust preventive strategies is crucial in reducing infection rates.