Syphilis screening is a treponemal antibody blood test that looks for antibodies the body may form after contact with the syphilis bacterium. It is a screening data point, not a diagnosis. A doctor can interpret it alongside other tests.
Doctor's Assessment Included
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Check your own valueThis test detects treponemal antibodies that the immune system produces in direct response to Treponema pallidum. Unlike non-treponemal tests such as the RPR, treponemal antibodies are highly specific to syphilis and rarely produce false positive results.
A key characteristic of treponemal tests is that they typically remain positive for life once seroconversion has occurred, even after successful treatment. This means the test indicates whether a person has ever had syphilis, but it cannot distinguish between current and past infection on its own.
A positive screening can indicate past contact with the bacterium, but treponemal antibodies can stay positive for years, even after treatment. For this reason a result on its own does not confirm an active infection. A huisarts or the BIG-registered doctor can interpret it further.
Respect the window period
RequiredThis test is only reliable from 4 weeks after the exposure. Full certainty takes 90 days and a second test. If you have symptoms, test straight away.
A reliable result is generally expected from about 3 to 6 weeks after possible exposure. Testing earlier may give a result that does not yet reflect recent contact. A doctor can help you decide on the right timing and any follow-up.
Non-reactive result indicates no syphilis infection detected. Continue safe sexual practices.
Reactive result requires confirmatory testing and appropriate antibiotic treatment. Consult your healthcare provider or STI clinic.
Non-reactive result indicates no syphilis infection detected. Continue safe sexual practices.
Reactive result requires confirmatory testing and appropriate antibiotic treatment. Consult your healthcare provider or STI clinic.
Consistent condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners help reduce syphilis risk. Regular STI screening is a key component of responsible sexual health, particularly for those at higher risk.
If you receive a positive result, work closely with your healthcare provider on treatment and follow-up. Inform recent sexual partners so they can be tested. Remember that syphilis is curable with appropriate treatment, and seeking testing is a positive and responsible step.
No. A positive screening can suggest past contact with the syphilis bacterium, but treponemal antibodies may persist for years. A doctor can use further tests to assess whether an infection is active.
A reliable result is generally expected from about 3 to 6 weeks after possible exposure. Earlier testing may not yet reflect recent contact, so a doctor may suggest repeating it.
It is a blood test taken at one of the collection locations. You can order it online without a referral and discuss the result with a BIG-registered doctor.
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Medical policyDoctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Syphilis Screening
€81,-
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