How Do You Diagnose Syphilis?

by Claire Nulla
September 11, 2024

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that you may easily overlook at its earlier stages.

If you think you have syphilis, here’s what you need to do next.

What is a syphilis blood test?

Your healthcare provider will use a syphilis blood test, a critical diagnostic tool that detects the presence of syphilis, which is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

This test is pivotal in the search for antibodies, which are substances your immune system produces in response to the syphilis bacteria.

Unlike methods that require direct detection of the bacterium, the syphilis blood test offers a non-invasive approach by analyzing a blood sample taken from a vein.

There are several types of syphilis blood tests available, including the following:

Rapid plasma reagin (RPR)
Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test
Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test

With these tools, healthcare professionals can determine syphilis in those who may not exhibit symptoms but also to prevent the spread of the disease and facilitate timely and effective treatment.

Alternatively, you can use at-home syphilis tests to determine your infection status. These rapid tests give you more options on affordability and convenience, as you can take them in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Why is it important to get tested for syphilis?

Since syphilis’ nature is silent yet progressive, contracting it without knowing can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible health complications.

Here are the benefits in early detection for syphilis:

Early detection empowers you to seek timely treatment.
It stops its progression to advanced stages.
Testing plays a role in preventing its spread to others.

How is the test performed?

The syphilis blood test is a straightforward procedure that involves the collection of a small blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm. The process is quick and can cause minimal discomfort that’s comparable to a brief pinch.

There is no special preparation needed before taking the test, so it’s accessible and convenient, especially if you’re using a rapid test

How accurate are syphilis blood tests?

Syphilis blood tests are highly accurate in diagnosing syphilis across its various stages.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that no diagnostic test is infallible. False positives and false negatives can occur, their likelihood influenced by factors such as the timing of the test relative to exposure and the infection’s specific stage.

False positives might be triggered by other conditions that elicit a similar antibody response, which complicates the interpretation of results.

Conversely, false negatives could happen if the test is conducted too soon after exposure, before your body has had sufficient time to produce detectable antibody levels.

What should you do if you test positive for syphilis?

If you receive a positive result for syphilis, the immediate course of action is to consult a healthcare provider immediately. They’ll guide you on the necessary confirmatory testing to accurately assess the infection’s stage and devise an appropriate treatment strategy.

Also, inform your sexual partners about your positive test result. This way, they can seek testing and treatment if needed.

After going through proper treatment, schedule follow-up tests to confirm that you’re free from the infection.

Can the test detect syphilis at any stage?

Syphilis blood tests can detect the infection across its various stages, from initial exposure through to the more advanced phases.

During the primary and secondary stages of syphilis, these tests are highly effective at identifying the antibodies produced in response to the infection.

How often should you get tested for syphilis?

The frequency of syphilis testing should be based on your:

Sexual behavior
Lifestyle
Associated risk factors

If you’re sexually active, a yearly testing regimen is generally recommended as part of a comprehensive sexual health check.

However, if you need more frequent testing, possibly every 3 to 6 months, if you’re part of a higher-risk category, like:

People with multiple sexual partners
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
People who engage in unprotected sex

Can syphilis be cured if detected early?

Yes, syphilis can be effectively cured.

The cornerstone of treatment for syphilis at any stage is antibiotics, with penicillin being the most commonly used and highly effective option.

If you’re diagnosed with syphilis, adhere closely to your healthcare provider’s treatment regimen and inform any sexual partners who may also be at risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is a syphilis blood test?

A syphilis blood test detects antibodies to the bacterium that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum. Health professionals use this test to diagnose syphilis in patients and monitor the infection’s presence or progress.

Can syphilis be detected immediately after exposure through a blood test?

Syphilis may not be detectable immediately after exposure since the antibodies that the test detects typically develop within a few weeks to months post-exposure.

Do I need to prepare for a syphilis blood test?

No special preparation is required for a syphilis blood test. You can check our website to order syphilis rapid test kits.

What do the results of a syphilis blood test mean?

Positive results indicate an active or past infection of syphilis, which means you need further evaluation and treatment. Negative results suggest the absence of a syphilis infection or that the infection is too recent to be detected.