Wasserman's reaction is reliable, but not always accurate

Each of us constantly hears that it is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it, and if it is not possible to protect yourself, then early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. This is also true of syphilis, for which Wasserman's reaction was used for a long time. At present, this technique is rarely used in classical form, but many specialists have already habitually called Wassermann's reaction all tests for the detection of syphilis.

When you need to take the test and how to do it

To pass this blood test (Wasserman's reaction) to the detection of syphilis is necessary when passing many medical commissions, and also when registering for pregnancy in a women's consultation. The future mother is obliged to donate blood to Wasserman's reaction not only at the beginning of pregnancy, but also at 32-33 weeks, since this disease is extremely dangerous for the fetus. To carry out the analysis it is necessary to give blood on an empty stomach, the fence is made from the vein. Serological tests can be done in the state laboratory at the place of residence or in a private company that has a license to conduct such tests.

The main advantage of this analysis is that the Wasserman reaction is easy and does not take much time, although, on the other hand, the percentage of errors in the study is quite high. It takes only a few minutes to get the result, so it is advisable not to go far away from the manipulation room in case of unforeseen results (for example, a false positive reaction) immediately after the assay.

When it is possible to pass the analysis and what for it is necessary

After infection, Wasserman's reaction becomes positive only after 6 weeks, whereas during the transition of the disease to the stage of secondary syphilis, a positive result of the analysis is revealed in practically all patients. In this case, along with this reaction, additional laboratory tests are conducted, which help to make an accurate diagnosis and to determine the prescription of infection. In addition, Wasserman's reaction allows controlling the treatment process and objectively monitoring its results. That's why you need to listen to the doctor's recommendations - he will tell you the right time to take the tests.

Disadvantages of this diagnostic method

The most important drawback of this method of research is that in some cases a false positive reaction of Wasserman can be observed. This can happen with a change in human physiology (for example, in pregnancy, menstruation) or in the presence of concomitant diseases (tuberculosis, various blood diseases). If the result of the analysis is positive, the doctor should prescribe other diagnostic tests, which together will provide recommendations for treatment, but only after all tests have been received in the hands. It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis on the basis of only one out-of-date analysis, so the doctor should also study the patient's complaints and conduct a medical examination.

Is it worth worrying

In fact, if the patient has a negative Wasserman reaction, then there is nothing to worry about. Another thing is if there is a false positive reaction. Even in cases when the patient is firmly convinced that he has no syphilis, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination that will help to identify the causes of false results.

In patients who have a positive result of analysis but do not have a pathogen in their blood, they most often diagnose tuberculosis, malaria, borreliosis, viral hepatitis, mononucleosis, collagenoses and other diseases. Completely neglect the recommendations of a doctor is not necessary, even if it seems that he is simply reinsured.