How do they test for syphilis?
Syphilis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, lesion testing, and blood tests.
Blood tests are the primary method for detecting secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis. These tests fall into two categories:
- Non-treponemal tests – Used for initial screening.
- Treponemal tests – Used to confirm infection, as they are more accurate.
Since no single test is conclusive on its own, both types are used together. During pregnancy, syphilis screening is typically done at the first antenatal visit.
How to get tested for syphilis
Worried about syphilis infection? Get an instant referral for a syphilis test with Stigma Health—no appointment is required. You can take your referral to your choice of over 10,000 pathology collection centres across Australia.
You’ll receive your test results via phone within 2-3 business days.
Treatment for syphilis
Benzathine penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis. A single intramuscular injection of 2.4 million units is recommended for early-stage syphilis.
For patients allergic to penicillin, ceftriaxone may be an alternative, but it is more expensive and requires multiple doses.
According to a 2017 Lancet study, penicillin remains the only recommended drug for syphilis, with treatment success monitored through changes in blood test results over time.