Rpr positive, but FTA-abs negative, what does this mean?

[Matthew02021]

So I recently got an awful text message from a past sexual partner, he said that he tested positive for syphilis (I don't know the details of what tests) and he has had one sexual partner after me. I took a blood test for syphilis exactly 6 week later after our encounter, and my RPR came back as 1:1 positive, but my FTA-abs syphilis test came back negative. I recently road a bike in very extreme heat and developed a Chancre looking sore on my genitals the following day. I am thinking the worst as one would given these circumstances, and am going crazy about these results. I'm getting tested again in 4 weeks, but just want any advice on what is going on.

[Saifuddin1989]

FTA-ABS is the confirmatory test for syphilis and is ordered only when VDRL is positive... If your fta abs is negative then don't worry.. as it searches for specific treponemal antibodies.    

[Matthew02021]

Do you know if six weeks is long enough for the test to be conclusive?

[Life360_Dave]

It means you dont have syphilis. the RPR is used to detected non specific antibodies and if found that second test was used which confirms a recent infection  so since the FTA is negative you dont have it. but please consult a doctor for medical confirmation.

[Matthew02021]

I've read that too and they did not seem too concerned, my anxiety over this is making me think the worst. I will be tested again in roughly 4 weeks, I'm hoping for the best.