Syphilis test

Understanding your Syphilis IgG/IgM home test results

Syphilis is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is spread through sexual contact and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Our Syphilis STI Test looks for IgG and IgM antibodies in your blood to confirm a past or current syphilis infection.

Can Syphilis IgG/IgM home diagnostic tests detect both new and past infections?

The Syphilis IgG/IgM test kit detects different types of syphilis antibodies. IgM antibodies, produced during an active or recent infection, and IgG antibodies, produced after a past infection.

How do at-home Syphilis IgG/IgM test kits help in early detection?

Syphilis test kits help in early detection by detecting the different types of antibodies produced by the body due to an infection. IgM antibodies, produced during an active or recent infection, and IgG antibodies, produced after a past infection. These tests help to differentiate between past and active infections, which is critical for guiding syphilis treatment.

How to use a Syphilis IgG/IgM home test kit

You can take our Syphilis blood test at home, using our finger-prick test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.

The benefits of at-home Syphilis testing: 

• The home test kits are assembled within the UK
• All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
• All lab tests are performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory

Frequently asked questions about Syphilis tests

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a STI (sexually transmitted infection) caused by Treponema pallidum. The disease often starts as a chancre (painless sore) on the rectum, genitals, or mouth. Symptoms usually begin to appear about 3 weeks after initial exposure.

Syphilis bacteria can remain dormant in the body for years after the initial infection before becoming active again. If left untreated, complications can occur, such as, damage to the heart, brain, or other organs.

Is syphilis curable?

Syphilis is curable, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Treatment is typically with penicillin. You should avoid sexual contact for at least two weeks after your treatment has ended to avoid infecting sexual partners. You will need to go back to the sexual health clinic for retesting. Syphilis progresses through a primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary stage.

What does a Syphilis IgG/IgM home test detect?

The Syphilis home blood test will detect IgM or IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies are produced in the early stages of infection and are usually detectable within a few days after exposure. 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, IgG antibodies are produced and are detectable for life, even after syphilis treatment.

How long does it take to get results from a Syphilis IgG/IgM home test?

The time it takes to get results will depend on the type of test and how it’s processed. Your Syphilis test results will be available within one working day of receiving your sample at the laboratory.

Can Syphilis IgG/IgM tests differentiate between past and active infections?

Depending on your result, the Syphilis home test can identify whether you’ve had a past or a recent/active infection.

What does syphilis IgG positive mean?

A positive result for syphilis IgG antibodies can mean:

• A past syphilis infection that has been treated or resolved
• A latent stage of syphilis, where the disease is not active but IgG antibodies are still present

What should I do if my Syphilis IgG/IgM home test result is positive?

IgG antibodies indicates past exposure to syphilis, but doesn’t necessarily mean you have symptoms now or that you’ve recovered from the infection. IgM antibodies indicate an acute infection, meaning you’ve recently become infected with syphilis and should seek treatment.

A second syphilis screening test to confirm a positive result looks for antibodies that your immune system produces to fight syphilis. If your syphilis home test result is positive, you should see a doctor or other healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. If you have symptoms of syphilis, attend a sexual health clinic for assessment.

How accurate is the Syphilis (IgG and IgM antibodies) blood test?

Based on clinical trials carried out by assay manufacturers, the Syphilis test detects syphilis infection in 100% of cases and is likely to give an accurate negative result in 99.9% of cases.

It is important to note that no test is 100% accurate, but it is possible to receive a false-positive test result or a false-negative result.

Do Syphilis tests have other names?

Syphilis tests may also be known as rapid plasma reagin (RPR), Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test, or agglutination assay (TP-PA).