Syphilis Blood Test

Also Known As

Agglutination Assay (TP-PA), Darkfield Microscopy, Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)

The Purpose of a Blood Test for Syphilis

Syphilis may easily spread, but it’s also easily cured if you catch it early. That’s why a syphilis test is important for your sexual health. This bacterial sexually transmitted disease is very contagious during intercourse, but you may not notice symptoms right away despite the widely available treatment. If the disease progresses without treatment (penicillin), it raises the risk of brain damage, infertility, and blindness. A blood test for syphilis lets you be proactive against this common STD, which is important if you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners.

What Does the Syphilis Test Measure?

This test screens your blood for a bacteria called Treponema Pallidum and will confirm if you have a syphilis infection.

Who Should Take a Syphilis Lab Test?

You should consider syphilis testing if you practice unsafe sex or have multiple partners (especially if any of those partners has been diagnosed with the disease). These syphilis symptoms also warrant testing:

• Small sores or skin growths on the body
• Swollen glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
• White patches inside your mouth
• Flu-like symptoms

Syphilis Blood Work Preparation

No special preparation is required for a syphilis lab test.

Syphilis Blood Test Results

Results of this syphilis blood work can be classified as reactive (positive for a past or current infection) or nonreactive (negative). A positive test may require more testing or a thorough look at your medical history to determine if the infection is current and its current stage, which informs the type of treatment you should get. If you need help, we have telehealth appointments with board-certified physicians, so it’s easy and convenient to get the medical advice and expertise you need.

Where Can I Get Syphilis Testing Near Me?

This syphilis blood test is part of our comprehensive collection of STD tests that you can purchase online at Personalabs. We make it simple to order STD testing:

Step 1: Check to see if you need a doctor’s approval to buy a test (depending on the state where you live), purchase the test you want, and download the corresponding lab order.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics facility near you with our location finder so you can schedule your blood work.

Step 3: Go to the lab at the appointed time (bringing your lab order with you) and get tested.

Step 4: See your results in your private Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days of your lab visit. (Contact us if you need a specific turnaround time from the lab, and we will work to get the results to you when you need them.)

Browse the collection of 400-plus health tests at Personalabs. We want you to feel empowered in your healthcare decisions, and our blood tests are the tools you need to maintain a vibrant state of well-being.