Syphilis Test

Syphilis Test

Syphilis Test

A syphilis test is used to detect an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The test typically involves blood tests to detect antibodies or the bacteria itself. Syphilis is known for progressing through stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), and early detection and treatment are critical to avoid long-term complications.

Types of Syphilis Tests

  • Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test
  • Purpose: Detects antibodies produced in response to a syphilis infection.
  • Use: These are initial screening tests. They are quick and affordable but can sometimes produce false positives, so positive results are usually confirmed with a treponemal test.

Results: A positive result suggests a current or past infection, but further testing is needed to confirm syphilis.

  • Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) and Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA)
  • PurposeDetects antibodies specifically targeting the syphilis-causing bacteria Treponema pallidum.
  • Use: Used to confirm a positive result from a nontreponemal test and differentiate syphilis from other infections.
Results A positive result confirms a syphilis infection (current or past), as antibodies usually remain even after treatment.
  • Purpose: Provides a quick, reliable screening for syphilis antibodies, often done via finger-prick blood test.
  • Use: Available in some clinics and especially useful in remote areas or for quick screening.

Results: Positive results often require follow-up testing for confirmation.

Procedure for Syphilis Testing

Preparation

No special preparation (like fasting) is usually required for syphilis testing. You may want to inform your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions or are taking medications, as this may affect the results.

Blood Sample Collection

Most syphilis tests require a blood sample. The sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm. For rapid tests, a small amount of blood is collected via a finger-prick.
If you are being tested for syphilis because of sores or lesions (e.g., genital, anal, or oral), a healthcare provider may collect fluid from these areas for testing.

Post-Collection

After your blood is collected, the sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.
The process is generally quick, and you may experience slight discomfort at the puncture site, but no significant recovery time is required.

Timing of Results

Screening tests (RPR, VDRL): Results typically take a few hours to a couple of days. Confirmatory tests (FTA-ABS, TPPA): These tests may take longer, often a few days to a week.
Rapid tests: Results can be available in as little as 15–20 minutes.

  • Positive Nontreponemal Test (e.g., RPR, VDRL): Suggests you may have syphilis. A confirmatory test (FTA-ABS or TPPA) is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Positive Treponemal Test (e.g., FTA-ABS, TPPA): Confirms that you have been infected with syphilis, even if you have been treated in the past.

Negative Results: Indicates no current or past infection, although if you are in the early stages of syphilis (like primary syphilis), the test may not yet detect the infection.

If diagnosed with syphilis, follow-up care is important for monitoring treatment effectiveness, especially in the case of advanced stages of syphilis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics (usually penicillin), and regular follow-up testing ensures that the infection is fully treated.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing syphilis from causing severe health problems, such as organ damage, neurological complications, and transmission to others.

For those tested positive, follow-up care is recommended and often includes liver function tests, ultrasound scans, or FibroScan to monitor liver health. ZByZeniq offer complete treatment for Syphilis positive patients.

ZBy Zeniq offer these tests, often at competitive prices between 500-1000 bhat, and results can be ready within a day or two.