Syphilis

Listed test: Syphilis (screening test).

Method: TPHA antibodies, rapid test.

Sample: finger-prick blood.

Results: 20 minutes.

Price: 10 EUR.

No appointment is needed. Available every working day.

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has different stages; a sore disappearing does not mean the infection has cleared.

Through direct contact with an infectious sore during oral, anal or vaginal sex. It can also be passed to a fetus during pregnancy.

It is not transmitted through toilet seats, shared utensils or ordinary everyday contact.

The bacterium enters through skin or a mucous membrane and can spread through the body. If you have had a confirmed exposure to early syphilis, see a clinician even if your test is negative.

The first sore usually appears around the third week, but the interval can be approximately 10–90 days. This is the time to symptoms, not the time to a reliable test.

Antibodies may be absent in the earliest stage. If you have a sore or a known exposure, testing starts now; a clinician decides when to repeat it based on the test, exposure date and previous treatment.

A painless sore is common. Later symptoms can include a rash, including on the palms and soles, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.

Yes. A sore may be hidden, and the latent stage has no visible symptoms.

The first changes may affect the genitals, mouth or anus. Syphilis is a systemic infection and can affect the nervous system, eyes and hearing.

A treponemal test is combined with a nontreponemal test such as RPR/VDRL. Direct detection from a suitable lesion may also be used where available.

Usually blood. A sample from a sore is collected only when indicated and an appropriate laboratory method is available.

A single reactive test does not determine the stage. Some antibodies remain positive after successful treatment: bring your previous results too.

Treatment uses an appropriate antibiotic, most often penicillin. The regimen depends on the stage, pregnancy and organ involvement; follow-up antibody titres are needed.

Yes. Having had syphilis does not provide reliable protection against a new infection.

Partners should be referred for assessment. Recent exposure to early syphilis may require treatment even with a negative result.

Condoms reduce the risk but do not cover every sore. Regular testing and timely treatment interrupt transmission.

If you have a sore or rash, or a partner has been diagnosed. New problems with vision or hearing, or neurological symptoms, require immediate assessment.

Book a test and explain recent exposures and previous treatment. Do not delay medical assessment during pregnancy. See the current price list for available services and prices.