Syphilis Test
Dr.Spurti KattimaniLast Updated on 18th February 2022Table of contents
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What is a Syphilis test used for?
Syphilis tests are used to determine whether or not you have a syphilis infection. Syphilis tests are requested for screening, diagnosis, or follow-up.
- Everyone, including men and women of all ages, can get this test done.
- All sexually active women who have new or multiple sex partners should be tested every year.
- Syphilis testing should be performed as a routine check on all pregnant women.
- All sexually active gay, bisexual, and transgender men must be tested for syphilis at least once a year. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently.
- Anyone who shares injection drug equipment should be tested once a year at the very least.
What is included in a Syphilis test?
Syphilis (STD risk assessment package) tests detect and confirm antibodies in the blood, body, or tissue sample. A certified lab technician conducts this test.
STD risk assessment package includes seven tests
- Venereal disease Research laboratory (VDRL)
- HIV1 antibodies
- HIV2 antibodies
- HBsAg Hepatitis B
- HCV Hepatitis C antibodies
- HSV1 Herpes antibodies
- HSV2 Herpes antibodies
Syphilis (Treponemal) tests are used to detect and confirm antibodies to T pallidum proteins.
Screening tests include
- Venereal disease Research laboratory (VDRL).
- Rapid immunochromatographic analysis. This test looks for antibodies specific to syphilis.
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) is a blood test for syphilis that detects antibodies to the syphilis bacteria Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to combat foreign substances such as bacteria
- Swab test.
Diagnostic tests include
- Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), using hemagglutination method.
- Dark Field microscopy.
- Chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA).
- Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test.
- Treponema pallidum enzyme immunoassay (TP-EIA).
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) is a blood test for syphilis that detects antibodies to the syphilis bacteria Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to combat foreign substances such as bacteria
Procedure for Syphilis test
The most common method of testing for syphilis is with a sample collected from blood, fluid, or tissue.
- Blood is taken from a vein on the inside of the elbow.
- To collect fluid from the sore, the lesion is swabbed or brushed. The collection process can be unpleasant, but it is usually only for a short time.
- A lumbar puncture is a special procedure used to collect spinal fluid. Generally, samples for syphilis testing are collected by a medical professional or a technician.
The sample is sent to our accredited labs of your choice (made during the booking) for further processing.
How to prepare for the Syphilis test?
There are no special preparations required for a syphilis test that uses a sample of blood or fluid from a sore. But you need to inform the doctor about medications you may be taking before taking the test. If you have syphilis, you should avoid having sex until your test results show that you are no longer infected or until your partners have finished treatment and the infection has been cured. Your sex partners should also be tested.
Patients may be instructed to use the restroom before a lumbar puncture to empty their bladder and stools. Through the MFine app, you can now book syphilis tests from certified lab partners in your city.
Things to consider after a Syphilis test is complete
Once the test results are available, a general physician, gynecologist, or urologist in your city will review syphilis/STD blood test reports and discuss the diagnosis with you. They will recommend and guide you through treatment and any subsequent follow-ups if you test positive. Please do not attempt to self-diagnose your medical condition.
What types of infection can a STD test detect?
HIV and AIDS: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a viral STD that enters the body via unprotected sex with an infected person, needle sharing, or blood transfusions.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that spreads through sexual contact. Syphilis is curable in its early stages, but it can progress to be severe and fatal if left untreated.
Chlamydia is also easily transmitted from person to person.
Genital Warts: Genital warts are a type of STD that causes tiny growths on people’s genital areas. They are transmitted through sexual contact and are caused by the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus).
How much does the Syphilis test cost?*
The cost may vary from city to city. It depends on your location and the lab partner you choose. You can book the STD risk assessment package test, including Venereal disease Research laboratory (VDRL), HIV1 antibodies, HIV2 antibodies, HBsAg Hepatitis, and HCV Hepatitis C, HSV1 Herpes antibodies, HSV2 Herpes antibodies.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the Syphilis test?
You can expect to get the results for the syphilis test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal Syphilis test results indicate?
If the report is positive, you will be advised to take a few more tests to rule out syphilis. If the results of these tests show that you have syphilis, you will be treated with antibiotics. After antibiotic treatment, most early-stage syphilis infections are completely cured. Antibiotics treatment used to treat late-stage syphilis infection can only prevent the disease from worsening and cannot reverse the damage already done.
Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about your results or syphilis. If you have syphilis, you must inform your sexual partner so that they can be tested as well.
If your screening results are negative or normal, it means you do not have syphilis. Antibodies can take several weeks to develop in response to a bacterial infection, you may require another screening test to confirm.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is Syphilis a definitive test?
Both screening and diagnostic tests are important in detecting syphilis. It is advised to visit your doctor to understand the problem and get it diagnosed at the earliest.
False-positive results occur when another disease produces antibodies similar to those produced during syphilis infection. IV drug use, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, certain types of pneumonia, malaria, and autoimmune diseases are among these conditions. False-positive test results can also occur in patients previously treated successfully for syphilis.
False-negative results occur when the test is performed too soon after a syphilis infection. The test can detect your body’s immune response 14 to 21 days after infection.
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Frequently asked questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for syphilis sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my syphilis test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the Syphilis test?
Usually, you can avail up to a 50% discount on syphilis tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
Is there anything else I should be aware of for syphilis tests?
If you are diagnosed with syphilis, you must inform your sexual partner so that they can be tested and, if necessary, treated.
What if I have had syphilis in the past?
Treatment for syphilis does not protect you from contracting it again. It is possible to get syphilis again after being cured, so ask your doctor if you should be tested again.
Do they test for syphilis during pregnancy?
All pregnant women should have a screening test. Testing in both the first and third trimesters will improve the chances of diagnosing and treating syphilis in pregnant women, reducing or eliminating the infection spreading to the fetus and avoiding any associated complications.
Is it possible to cure syphilis in infants?
Congenital syphilis can be completely cured in some babies. Others may require treatment for health problems caused by the infection. If your baby has congenital syphilis, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.