Syphilis Test

What's a Syphilis Test?

A syphilis test is a blood test (also known as a serological test).

• We'll take a small amount of blood from your vein.
• Your sample will be sent to Dr. Risch's lab, where they'll check it for antibodies against the Treponema pallidum bacteria.
• Testing for syphilis can be a bit tricky. We need to know if you've had a syphilis infection before.

When's the best time to get tested?

It's best to get tested 6 weeks after a risky situation. That's when antibodies can be reliably found in your blood.

How does the test work?

1. Your blood sample will be checked with a screening test (RPR/VDRL).
2. If that test is positive, we'll ask you to come back for a confirmation test.
3. Only if both tests come back positive do we consider it a confirmed infection.

Important Notes

• If you've had syphilis before, we'll need to do a follow-up check. Please let your counselor know about this.
• If we find any signs of infection, we'll send you a text message asking you to see a specialist for a confirmation test. We'll also send you your lab results, which you can show them right away.

Why is getting tested important?

• If caught early, syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics.
• Getting an early diagnosis helps prevent serious long-term problems.
• Important: If your infection is confirmed, it's really important to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated too.

When will I get my results?

Your results are usually ready 2 to 5 days after your blood is taken. We'll let you know by text message and tell you what to do next.