Syphilis antibodies test is used to detect the infection caused by syphilis.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacterial infection. This infection spreads through oral, vaginal or anal contact with an infected person. It can also spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore. The bacteria which causes syphilis is Treponema pallidum. The stages of syphilis include Primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis.
This test is performed to detect the syphilis antibodies in the body. This helps in diagnosing the syphilis infection. This test is done when you are at the risk of getting syphilis, like when you have a sexual partner with syphilis if you have other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia or HIV infection when you are involved in a high-risk sexual activity, when you had man-to-man sexual contact, if you are pregnant, etc. This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like a sore (chancre) at the genital regions or on the throat, itchless reddish-brown rash on palms, the bottom of the feet, fever, swollen lymph glands, body pains, sore throat, etc.
If you are sexually active then this test is recommended once a year. If you are previously diagnosed with any of the STDs then you should repeat this test frequently (3-6 months).
If you get positive test results then inform your partner about it and ask he/ she to undergo the test.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Syphilis Test. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Syphilis Test.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
The reference range may vary depending on the gender, age, health history, your condition, etc.
If your syphilis antibodies test results show negative, then it may indicate that infection is absent. The antibodies cannot be detected for several weeks after the exposure to bacteria. Hence repeat the test after a few weeks for confirmation.
If your test results show positive, then it may indicate that you are affected with syphilis infection.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
UNISEX | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. IgG is seen in remote infection |
UNISEX | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. IgM is seen in recent infection |