Syphilis test is used to screen for and/or diagnose infection with Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes Syphilis. The antibody test detects the antibodies in the blood and also in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There are two general types of tests available for syphilis test, non treponemal antibody, and treponemal test. Either of these tests is used to detect active syphilis. The nontreponemal test is highly sensitive but since it is nonspecific, false-positive test results can be caused due to pregnancy, Lyme disease, malaria, tuberculosis, or other autoimmune disorder. Treponemal antibody test is highly specific for syphilis which can detect for active syphilis. The symptoms of this infection are skin rash often on the palms of the hands and bottom of the feet which do not cause itching, sore throat and body aches.
No special information is required while going for the test. You need to inform the doctor about all the medicines that you take so that the doctor can advise against it till the test if any of the medicines can alter the results of the test.
A negative blood test means that it is possible that the infection is not present. However, it means that only at that time there is no evidence of the disease. Antibodies may be detected after several weeks after the exposure to the bacteria. So if the patients have familiar symptoms, they should get tested again.
A band is wrapped around the arm, preferably near the elbow pit such that vein is clearly seen The area is cleaned with 70% alcohol The needle is inserted into the visible vein causing a small prick and the required amount of blood sample is collected The collected blood is transferred into the blood container from the nozzle and the syringe is hygienically disposed immediately
Type | Gender | Age-Group | Value |
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Treponema Pallidum Antibodies
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Unisex
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All age groups
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Detected in positive cases
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