Which laboratory test is performed to detect syphilis?

The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test is specifically designed to screen for syphilis. It detects non-specific antibodies that the body produces in response to the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which causes this sexually transmitted infection. The RPR test is quick, relatively simple to perform, and is utilized as a preliminary screening tool. If results are positive, more specific tests, such as the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TP-PA) or the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test, may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

In contrast, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) evaluates overall health and detects various disorders, but it does not specifically identify syphilis. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is related to prostate health and is not relevant to syphilis detection. Urinalysis is a common test for assessing urinary tract conditions and kidney function but does not test for syphilis either. Thus, the RPR test is the most appropriate choice for detecting syphilis among the options provided.