The test is looking for evidence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It is easily treatable but can cause severe health problems if left untreated. The evidence of the presence of bacteria are: AntibodyIf syphilis producing bacteria enters your body then the body’s defence system (immune system) would start producing proteins against the invading bacteria to try…The test is looking for evidence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It is easily treatable but can cause severe health problems if left untreated. The evidence of the presence of bacteria are: AntibodyIf syphilis producing bacteria enters your body then the body’s defence system (immune system) would start producing proteins against the invading bacteria to try to fight the infection. These proteins are called antibodies. In laboratories these antibodies, which are produced in response to syphilis infection can be identified and measured by tests called serological tests. Doctors can interpret this test result to find out if you are infected and if infected, how far the infection might have progressed. Doctors might need to repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis and interpret the result better. Bacteria itselfIf you have a sore, a swab or scrape may be collected to look for the bacteria under the microscope. It is called dark ground microscopy. This test is infrequently done now as it needs a lot of expertise and antibody testing is easier to do, quicker and reliable. Bacterial genetic materialThis test is called PCR (polymerase chain reaction). It looks for Treponema pallidum genetic material in a sample directly taken from the sore/ulcer. This test is only available in a few specialised (reference) laboratories in the UK. How is the sample collected for testing? Usually the samples are collected in a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, Sexual health clinic or in a GP surgery. However it is possible for the test to be done in hospitals as well. There are several different methods and tests for the identification of syphilis infection. A sample may be:A scraping from a sore on the affected area (the cervix, penis, anus, or throat) A blood sample from a vein in your arm to detect antibodies to syphilis in your blood A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) may be necessary if you have late or latent stages of the disease to check for infection of the nervous system. This involves passing a needle into the back to obtain some fluid. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less
