Preventx Ltd trading as test.me
Limited company registered in England and Wales
Company number: 06603066
VAT Number: GB 335965567
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.
Our clinical team will contact you about your result. Depending on your blood test, we may advise that:
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.
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]