How fast can syphilis be detected

The most specific test for confirming syphilis is the Fluorescent Treponemal antibody absorption FTA-ABS test, which uses a fluorescent marker to identify T pallidum antibodies in a blood or spinal fluid sample. The enzyme immunoassay EIA test checks blood using antibodies specific to syphilis infection to locate syphilis antigens. With blood testing, syphilis can be detected as early as 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.

The highest accuracy can be expected within about three months, with false positive results possible any time within the initial 90 days after infection. People who have suffered from a syphilis infection in the past could also have a false positive result due to syphilis antibodies lingering in the bloodstream. If a reliable testing method returns a negative result 90 days or later after exposure, it is considered a negative diagnosis. Syphilis is easily cured using antibiotics if treated appropriately during its early stages.

During the early stages of syphilis infection, a single dose of penicillin is effective to treat and cure syphilis. In later stages, a higher dosage is necessary. The physical and neurological harm, such as heart or nervous system damage typical of the third stage of syphilis, cannot be reversed. If the person seeking treatment is allergic to penicillin, azithromycin or doxycycline can be prescribed instead.

For a year after treatment, a regular schedule of follow-up tests is required. Nick Corlis is a writer, marketer, and designer. Nick is proud to be able to help eliminate the stigma of STD testing through his writing and is always trying to advocate the importance of your sexual health. Before STDcheck, his favorite way to develop his writing skills was by accepting various writing jobs in college and maintaining multiple blogs.

Nick wears many hats here at STDcheck, but specifically enjoys writing accurate, well-researched content that is not only informative and relatable but sometimes also contains memes. When not writing, Nick likes to race cars and go-karts, eat Japanese food, and play games on his computer.

STDs , Syphilis. Syphilis and Syphilis Testing Syphilis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and spread through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Syphilis Stages An untreated syphilis infection develops in stages: Primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages.

Secondary Stage of Syphilis The secondary stage of syphilis lasts between one and three months and usually begins between six weeks and six months after exposure to the bacteria. Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed. Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood. Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected. Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.

Sore or skin sample A sample of fluid or tissue may be taken from an open sore or from a rash that might be caused by syphilis. A fluid sample is obtained by gently pressing the sore.

Skin or mucous membrane samples may be obtained by gently rubbing a cotton-tipped swab over the area. Spinal fluid sample A spinal tap lumbar puncture is done to collect a spinal fluid sample for syphilis testing. How It Feels Blood sample The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm or from your fingertip. Sore or skin sample You may feel some discomfort when fluid is collected from an open sore. Spinal fluid sample You may feel some discomfort during a lumbar puncture to collect spinal fluid.

Risks Blood sample There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from your fingertip or a vein. You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes. In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this. Sore or skin sample There is very little risk of problems from having a sample taken from an open sore, skin rash, or mucous membrane.

Spinal fluid sample There is little risk linked with having a lumbar puncture to obtain a spinal fluid sample. Results Syphilis tests tell if a person has the disease. Results are usually available in 7 to 10 days. Darkfield microscopic examination Normal: No syphilis germs are seen. Abnormal: Syphilis germs are seen.

Syphilis tests of blood and spinal fluid Normal: No syphilis antibodies are found. This is called a nonreactive or negative result. Abnormal: Antibodies are found. This is called a reactive or positive test. A result that is not clearly normal or abnormal is called inconclusive or equivocal. Testing may need to be repeated if: Results of the first test are uncertain. You have had repeated exposure to syphilis, such as from repeated unprotected intercourse. What Affects the Test You may not be able to have the test, or the results may not be helpful, if: You use antibiotics before you have the test.

You have a blood transfusion in the weeks before having the test. You have another condition or disease, such as lupus, liver disease, HIV infection, or a tropical bacterial infection called yaws. In the United States, your health professional must report to the state health department that you have syphilis.

To learn more about testing for sexually transmitted infections, see: Gonorrhea Test. Chlamydia Tests. Why do I need a syphilis test? Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after infection and include: Small, painless sore chancre on the genitals, anus, or mouth Rough, red rash, usually on the palms of the hands or the bottom of the feet Fever Headache Swollen glands Fatigue Weight loss Hair loss Even if you don't have symptoms, you may need a test if you are at a higher risk of infection.

What happens during a syphilis test? During the procedure: You will lie on your side or sit on an exam table. A health care provider will clean your back and inject an anesthetic into your skin, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Your provider may put a numbing cream on your back before this injection.

Once the area on your back is completely numb, your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your lower spine. Vertebrae are the small backbones that make up your spine. Your provider will withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

This will take about five minutes. You'll need to stay very still while the fluid is being withdrawn. Your provider may ask you to lie on your back for an hour or two after the procedure. This may prevent you from getting a headache afterward.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If you have questions about your results, or about syphilis, talk to your health care provider. Is there anything else I need to know about syphilis tests? References American Pregnancy Association [Internet]. Syphilis; [updated Feb 7; cited Mar 29]; [about 3 screens].

Atlanta: U. Washington D. You should also be tested for other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea , as it's possible to have more than one STI at a time. Some results may be available the same day, while others may take a week or two to come back. You should avoid having sex or close sexual contact with anyone else until you get your test results. Read more about what happens at a sexual health clinic. All pregnant women are offered a blood test to check for syphilis, usually at around weeks of pregnancy.

A syphilis infection during pregnancy can be very dangerous for the baby, but the screening test can help ensure it's detected and treated as soon as possible.