Syphilis Test (MHD1606)

Use:

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). This test detects antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to the bacteria that causes syphilis.

Recommended For:

Anyone who thinks they may have come in contact with this bacterium during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Syphilis can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

The symptoms of syphilis can include:

• A single, small, painless sore
• Swelling in nearby lymph nodes
• A non-itchy skin rash, often on the hands and feet

These symptoms can go away and come back for years. In rare cases, syphilis causes serious health problems and even death. When caught early, syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics.

If this test comes back positive, you should follow up with a health care provider for appropriate antibiotics.

Includes:

• Treponemal antibody
• Reflexed when appropriate:
  RPR with quantitative titer (if indicated)

Preparation:

There is no preparation for this test.

Test Processing:

2-4 days

Special Note:

Certain public health agencies require notification when this test is positive. They use this information to track emerging trends in infectious disease.