How is this Test Used?

The test is used to diagnose infection with syphilis in sexually active persons. Pregnant women also are screened, and many states in the U.S. require a blood test for syphilis when applying for a marriage license to prevent the spread of infection to others, especially a newborn baby.

What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?

The first symptoms of syphilis may not be seen immediately. The primary stage begins within 10 days to three months of being infected. A sore appears, usually on the part of the body exposed to your partner’s ulcer. The sore may be painless and go unnoticed, and it disappears within a few weeks.Secondary syphilis begins three to six weeks after the sore appears. It is marked by a skin rash that usually heals in several weeks or months. There may be other symptoms as well, such as fever and sore throat. If untreated, syphilis may continue into a latent stage, during which you have no symptoms and are no longer contagious.