Syphilis Test
The infection of Syphilis is tested with the help of Rapid Plasma Reagin Test which is generally termed as RPR Test. This test looks out for the antibodies developed by the body against the infection of Syphilis. If the result is positive, the presence of bacteria is further confirmed by conducting Treponemal Pallidum AssayTest or TPA Test. It is imperative to get tested as this disease is symptomless and can be transferred to your loved ones unknowingly.
Syphilis is not easy to identify clinically during its initial stage, which is also the reason why second test is carried out to confirm the infection either through a blood test or visual inspection via microscopy. However, the more commonly used tests are the blood tests because they are comparatively easy to perform.
Syphilis Testing Options & Which one you should choose?
The tests conducted to identify Syphilis can be divided in two categories:
Screening Tests:
Various tests can be conducted for the screening of Syphilis such as:
- Rapid Plasma Reagin Test – This test looks for the antibodies produced by a person’s body in response to the Syphilis infection.
- Rapid Immunochromatographic Test – This particular test checks antibodies which are specific to this infection but the difference of this test is that the sample of blood is not tested in laboratory, the results can be found at the doctor’s visit itself.
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test – This test can be run on both blood and spinal fluids to check for antibodies developed in patients suffering from Syphilis.
Confirmatory Tests:
- Enzyme Immunoassay Test – Either VDRL or an RPR test can be used to confirm the reports of a positive EIA test which checks the Syphilis antibodies.
- FTA-ABS Test – This test can be conducted within the initial 3-4 weeks of exposure to the Syphilis infection.
- TPPA Test – This type of test cannot be conducted on spinal fluids. It is generally done if the result of another test for Syphilis comes out to be positive.
- Darkfield Microscopy – A special type of microscope is used in this test to examine Syphilis germs in a small sample which can be extracted from tissue or the fluids of a sore. The main purpose of this test is to diagnose this infection in its initial stage.
- MHA-TP Test – It is another type of test which is used to confirm this infection if the results of another test are positive.
The purpose of tests is to detect Syphilis infection in a person and to prevent it from spreading further.
Find A Syphilis Testing Centre Near You
We've over 4000 Syphilis testing centers across the United States. You can use your zip code to find a test center near you.
Where to get tested for Syphilis?
We're the #1 destination for Syphilis Testing in the United States.
Testing for Syphilis can be booked and done in a very easy and comfortable way due to the presence of our over 4000 certified testing centers established throughout the nation.
You can order a test online through our website and get tested for Syphilis at a test center near you.
How to order a Test?
Ordering for Syphilis test is quite an easy task. You can just click on the link below and register for the test online.
We have an individual Syphilis Test & a Panel test available on our website. If you want to only get tested for Syphilis, the individual test will cost you $79. Alternatively, you can also choose the panel test to get tested for Syphilis and nine other popular sexually transmitted diseases.
After you pick the test, we'll ask you to enter your zip code on our website to help you find a Syphilis testing center near you.
After you pick a test center to get tested, fill out your personal details to the next screen on our website to create your profile and make a payment for your test.
Online payment is required as we don't accept payments in any form at our testing centers.
After receiving your payment, We will send an e-mail to you including a “Lab Requisition Form” along with a test code and the address of the selected STD center. Take this form to the Syphilis testing center to get tested.
When is the Right Time to Get Tested For Syphilis?
According to experts, there is no specific right time to get tested. Instead of waiting for any right time, a person should order a test at the earliest possible convenient time because this infection can be symptomless and can be transmitted further unintentionally.
In case of recent contact with a person whose current STD status is not known to you, it is imperative to get yourself tested within 3-6 weeks. Even when you have got the tests done, the tests should be repeated after 3 months in order to make sure that this contagious infection does not exist.
How to Prepare for the Test?
Like most of the other tests, a blood sample is required for this test. Therefore, it does not require any particular preparation before the test.
You can book the test online and visit a test center near you to get tested.
How is the test done?
This test includes testing of a small sample of blood which is drawn when the patient visits the test center. The results can be of two types.
If the result is negative, it reveals that the infection was not found in the bloodline.
If the result is positive, it means that the infection was detected after which another test is done in order to confirm the status of the results.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a type of sexually transmitted disease which is usually passed on through sexual intercourse which includes oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex. There are also chances of this infection being transferred from a mother to her baby during the time of pregnancy or during the time of birth. It is recommended that all pregnant women should get themselves tested for Syphilis in order to make sure that they do not carry this infection.
Syphilis can be cured in its initial stage but if it goes untreated, the complications caused by it can be very serious or even irreversible. There are various stages in which this infection can be divided which are described below:
- Primary stage – This stage is characterized by sores which are small and painless, also known as chancres. These occur in mouth or on genitals between a period of 3 weeks to 3 months after being exposed to the infection.
- Secondary stage – This stage usually arrives from sex weeks to 6 months of time after being exposed to the infection. It is characterized by rashes, which might be non-itchy, on the soles of feet or palms of hands.
- Latent stage – This stage occurs when the Syphilis remains untreated in the first two stages. During this stage, the symptoms are no more visible but the infection can still be identified by blood tests. Till this stage, this infection can still be treated.
- Tertiary stage – This is the last stage of Syphilis which occurs after 10-30 years of initial infection. This is the time when completely fresh symptoms start showing up which can even be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Syphilis?
Syphilis can be symptom-less and even when the symptoms do show up; they can be mistaken for the symptoms of some other infection as well. This can put a person into dilemma about the infection and even the doctor without conducting proper tests.
Symptoms of Syphilis are mentioned below:
- Painless open sores called chancres after sexual intercourse
- Skin rashes
- In the later stages of Syphilis, it can cause blindness, heart problems and mental disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to do when you have Syphilis
When you are suffering from Syphilis, you should make sure not to engage in sexual intercourse in order to prohibit the infection from passing on to your partner. Also, you should never have sex without condom. Even oral sex should not be done and the same must be told to your partner as well in order to aware him/her about the infection.
How is Syphilis treated?
The infection of Syphilis requires prompt treatment for its cure and for prevention from further complications. Antibiotics can treat this infection quite effectively t any stage. Although antibiotics cannot overcome the damage already caused in the later stages, yet they can be fruitful in restricting the infection from complicating the things even more.
Moreover, blood tests are conducted after a gap of a few months as well in order to ensure that the treatment was effective. Sex partners of Syphilis patients are also examined for Syphilis and treated accordingly if required. Penicillin is considered to be the most preferred drug to treat this infection. Any kind of allergies to penicillin must be informed to the doctor beforehand.
What happens if Syphilis is left untreated?
In cases where Syphilis is not treated on time, the complications of this infection grow to such an extent that they can lead to blindness, heart problems, mental disorders and even death. Hence, it is quite an imperative task to get this infection tested and treated to get rid of it on time without stretching it too long and risking your lives.