Syphilis Test

Tell me about syphilis testing.
Our doctors have selected the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test to test for syphilis. This gold standard blood test looks for antibodies to the syphilis virus. If the RPR is positive, another test, called a treponemal pallidum test, will be automatically run to confirm the result. Syphilis testing is important because a person can have syphilis without knowing it and can pass it along to a partner easily.

Is this a Blood Test or a Urine Test?
The Syphilis Test is a blood test. When you get to the lab, the lab technician will draw one small tube of blood. There’s no need to get undressed or have any uncomfortable swabbing.

Will I Need to Fast or Prepare for the Test?
There is no preparation needed for the Syphilis Blood Test. You do not need to fast.

Who Should be Tested for Syphilis?
Syphilis affects both men and women. Syphilis spreads easily and it's common to have syphilis without having any symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested. Consider syphilis testing as part of routine STD screening, especially if you have had unprotected sex with someone whose STD status you do not know or are concerned about.

What Will the Test Results Tell Me?
A negative Syphilis Test result means that there's no detectable disease in the blood at the time of the test. A positive test result may mean that you have syphilis... but if the Syphilis Test result is positive, the next step is to confirm the diagnosis with another test that can differentiate between syphilis and other conditions.

Be aware that the RPR may remain positive at a low level after treatment, and can be positive even in healthy folks, which is why we always follow it up with a confirmatory test.

Is Syphilis Curable?
Yes, syphilis is a curable infection, especially when caught early. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, which may be given by injection or sometimes through an IV. If your test is positive, our physicians will connect you with a local specialist for additional testing and treatment as well as follow up monitoring to confirm that you are cured, if appropriate.

Learn more about the Syphilis Test

For routine STD testing to know your sexual health status, test today.

The right time to get tested for syphilis is at least 3 - 6 weeks after a possible exposure. That means, if you think you may have gotten syphilis from a partner, wait two weeks before getting tested. If you have been treated for syphilis, you should re-test again in 3 months to rule out re-infection.

Remember, other STDs may be present at the same time as syphilis. For this reason, our doctors recommend the 8-test panel to test for 8 of the most common and serious STDs.

For a personalized test plan, call our Care Advisors at (866) 660-2593(866) 660-2593. Because different diseases become detectable by diagnostic testing at different times, this is the best way to ensure you get tested at the right time.