What to do if you test positive for syphilis
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that develops in stages. Early stages may cause mild or unnoticed symptoms so people may be unaware that they have the infection. Syphilis can be passed on through sexual contact or from mother to baby during pregnancy.
What to do next
- Our tests are screening tests. Our clinical team will usually explain the result to you and if any action is needed.
- If you do have a new positive result or your test shows you may be infected you should get this repeated at your local sexual health clinic.
- Syphilis can be treated effectively with antibiotics. You will need to attend clinic to access treatment and further testing. You can use the tool below to find nearby services: Find a sexual health clinic - NHS
- Sexual partners will need testing, clinic will support you with this.
Syphilis results explained
Our clinical team will contact you about your result. Depending on your blood test, we may advise that:
- You may have syphilis and should attend a sexual health clinic for further testing and/or treatment.
- The screening test may have been over-sensitive, and we recommend a repeat test to confirm the result.
- Your results suggest a previous syphilis infection, with no evidence of a current infection.
- Your results suggest a previous syphilis infection, but there may be signs of a new infection, so repeat testing is advised as soon as possible.
Something to consider:
You may have syphilis and should attend a sexual health clinic
In this situation, your blood test result indicates that syphilis may be present. Further testing is needed to confirm this.
Please arrange a repeat blood test at a sexual health clinic as soon as possible so you can receive clear answers and appropriate care.
Remember: syphilis is very treatable.
The screening test may have been over-sensitive
Your syphilis screening test (EIA/TPHA) has shown a reactive result. This does not mean you definitely have syphilis. These tests are very sensitive and sometimes react to antibodies from a past infection or other antibodies in your blood, giving a positive result when no infection is present.
Further testing is needed to confirm whether syphilis is present or the result is false-reactive. If you’ve been advised to attend a clinic, we recommend doing so as soon as convenient.
Your results suggest a previous infection, with no current infection
Your EIA/TPHA tests are positive, but your RPR test is negative. This usually means you were infected in the past, but there is no active infection now.
If you were treated previously, and have no symptoms or recent exposure, no further treatment is usually needed.
If you are unsure about past treatment, or if there has been a recent risk, a clinic can review your history and advise whether repeat testing is needed.
Your results suggest a previous infection, but there may be a new infection
Your RPR level has risen compared with previous tests, which can indicate a new or re-infection. Further testing is needed to confirm this.
We recommend attending a sexual health clinic as soon as possible for confirmatory tests and treatment if required.
Why treatment is important
Untreated syphilis can cause serious long-term health problems. Early treatment prevents these. Without treatment you will still be infectious and able to pass the infection onto others.
For further information please see: Syphilis - NHS
For further support, please contact our clinical team: [email protected]