Syphilis Test: Procedure and Interpretation of Results

Syphilis test is a procedure conducted to diagnose syphilis, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It causes the appearance of painless sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth. In the following article, we will provide you with more details about this test.

What is the Syphilis Test?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, which is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus.

There are several methods to detect syphilis infection, but the most common approach, often employed by healthcare providers, is through blood tests to search for antibodies against syphilis.

What is the Principle of the Syphilis Test?

The principle of most syphilis tests relies on detecting antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight infection and typically remain in the body for several years.

Initially, doctors often request non-treponemal antibody tests, which search for antibodies produced by the body when infected with syphilis. However, they may also be produced in response to other conditions. The main types include:

1. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL): This test measures antibodies produced within one to two weeks after the appearance of initial sores on the infected individual. It can be performed on a blood or cerebrospinal fluid sample.
2. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test: This test detects antibodies to reagin, which are often produced by the body in response to syphilis infection. This test provides results within 5 - 30 minutes but is typically less accurate than the VDRL test.

Doctors typically order non-treponemal antibody tests as initial tests, and positive results should be confirmed with other tests. Blazma offers both types of syphilis testing, VDRL and RPR.

How is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in the person's arm using a small needle, which is then placed in a test tube for later examination, and the person usually feels little to no pain or may experience a slight prick.

How is the Preparation for the Test?

Syphilis test typically does not require any prior preparation unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Are There Any Risks Associated with the Test?

There are no risks associated with the test; the only possible discomfort may be mild pain or the appearance of slight bruising at the needle insertion site, and most of these symptoms quickly disappear.

Why do I need a syphilis test?

Syphilis test is necessary if you experience symptoms of syphilis, including:

• Painful sores on the genitals, mouth, anus, or rectum.
• Red, rough skin rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Sore throat.
• Swollen glands.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Hair loss.

It is also necessary to undergo testing if your partner has been diagnosed with syphilis.

How Are the Results Interpreted?

A negative test result indicates no syphilis infection. However, it is important to note that after infection, it takes several weeks for antibodies to appear, so if you believe you have been exposed, you should retest after several weeks.

A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies that may be from a syphilis infection. In this case, your doctor may request further testing to confirm the infection, such as:

1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which detects the genetic material of Treponema pallidum bacteria.
2. Darkfield microscopy examination, by analyzing a sample of fluid from a skin sore or lymph node using a special microscope.

Other Tests for Diagnosing Syphilis

In addition to the previously mentioned syphilis test, infection can be diagnosed through the following tests:

1. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the spinal cord and brain, and a doctor may request this analysis if they suspect that the neurological problems the patient is experiencing are related to syphilis infection. A fine needle takes a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal, a procedure known as a lumbar puncture. This test typically requires prior preparation, as it is necessary to empty the bladder and bowels before the procedure.

2. Fluid or Tissue from Sores Analysis

Syphilis infection can also be diagnosed by taking a sample of fluids or tissues from the open sores that appear on the patient's body and analyzing them under a microscope.