I have a question regarding RPR and alcohol consumption. 

Last spring I tested for syphilis via an RPR blood test. I waited about 97 days post exposure and got a negative result. I tested because 3 months prior I had developed what looked like a small white head pimple on my penis. It hurt, I put some pimple cream on it and the swelling and white head went down after 24 hours. There after it felt like there was a small bead beneath the skin, which shrank slowly over 3 weeks. It never resembled the chancre sore pic online. Assumed it to be a cyst. My only risk factors were mutual masturbation.

I tested on a Monday morning, and I had drunk alcohol on the Saturday night prior. I just read that alcohol should not be consumed within 24 hours before an RPR test or it may cause a false negative. I was outside of that window, but not 100% sure if I didn't drink on Sunday before the test. Memory can be fickle.

 

1). Are my results still valid?.

2) I was never told not to drink alcohol before the test. Do you know why certain websites and hospitals are saying alcohol can throw off the results? 

I suspect you'll agree this question reflects another instance of a guilty or anxious mind working overtime. As we discussed last time, you have not been at any risk of syphilis, and your description of your penile bump is not suggestive of syphilis. In any case, your negative RPR is valid:  alcohol does not interfere with testing for syphilis or any other STD. I'm not aware of any websites or medical facilities that warn about this -- I suppose there might be the occasional non-STD blood or urine test that be altered by alcohol, but I can't think of any. Which undoubtedly is why you were not advised to avoid alcohol before your RPR. You can rely on the negative result.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

Thank you for the concise and quick response. It puts my mind at ease. I should also note, that I did start talk therapy last month to deal with this health anxiety. 

I have one follow up about biotin. Can it effect the RPR syphillis test? I had a panic attack and found myself Googling, again. 

I don't take biotin. However, around the time I took the test I had to buy a different brand of ashwagnada, that contains 35mcg of biotin per serving. 

I highly doubt I took the supplement the day before or the day of the test, the bottle is till full (product wasn't great). In case I did, would my results still be valid? 

Thank you again. 

1) Will biotin interfer with the Oraquick test? 

2) Again, on the off chance I took the supplement, can I still consider my results conclusive?

Thank you again. I want to move on with my life, and your counsel has been a big help. 

2) Yes, conclusive.

That completes the two follow-up exchanges included with each original question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe, as apparently you have been.