Quite often, during a consultation with a doctor or during a general physical examination, patients are recommended to donate blood for RW. What kind of analysis is this? What is this research done for? What diseases can be diagnosed with this test? Many people are interested in these issues.
Blood on RW - what is it?
This analysis is better known in medicine as the Wassermann reaction. Such testing is highly specific and is used by doctors to diagnose syphilis. The importance of the study can hardly be overestimated, since it makes it possible to diagnose the disease in the early stages of its development, when there are no noticeable external symptoms.
In addition, the Wasserman reaction gives the doctor the opportunity to judge how actively pale treponema (the causative agent of syphilis) behaves and, accordingly, determine the rate of development of the disease.
Who needs blood donation at RW?
What kind of testing is already clear, but for whom such an analysis is mandatory? Naturally, it is carried out at the slightest suspicion of syphilis. For example, patients with a rash on the mucous membranes and skin of unknown origin, with uncharacteristic discharge from the reproductive system, must donate blood.
A blood test for RW, for HIV is performed after accidental unprotected intercourse, rape, etc. Such a study is mandatory for patients preparing for hospitalization. It is also recommended when planning pregnancy. By the way, pregnant women also undergo this test, since syphilis in this case is extremely dangerous not only for the mother, but also for the child.
This study is also an obligatory part of a medical examination for employees of certain professions, in particular, cooks, hairdressers, cosmetologists, medical staff, etc. The analysis is also regularly performed for patients with syphilis (including congenital forms) to determine if there is an effect from treatment.
How to prepare for blood donation?
Blood for laboratory tests is taken from a vein. For the reliability of the results for the test, you need to properly prepare. First, it is worth noting that blood donation for RW is performed on an empty stomach (the last meal should be 6-12 hours before analysis). That is why the procedure, as a rule, is prescribed in the morning - in most clinics and laboratories, blood sampling is carried out from 7 to 11 in the morning.
In no case should you smoke or drink coffee before donating blood. The day before the procedure, you should abandon excessively fatty foods and alcoholic beverages, as this can affect the accuracy of the result.
Test result for RW and its value
Naturally, with the results of the analysis, you need to contact your doctor - the specialist knows exactly why they donate blood to RW, what it is. However, general information is available. If there is no infection, the test will be negative (a “-” will appear on the form).
As for the positive reaction, it can be considered in different ways. In the form with the results, a similar condition is noted by one, two, three or four pluses. Three or four "+" is a positive or even sharply positive reaction, which means that treatment should be started immediately.
But “+” and “++” can indicate both the presence of the disease and a false positive result. Such patients are recommended to repeat the analysis again. False positive reactions are often observed among patients who abuse alcohol, or drug addicts. In addition, serological blood tests can be incorrect with severe inflammation, cancer, infections (for example, with viral hepatitis), as well as during pregnancy and diabetes.