Syphilis test
£38.00
- Only £38.00 for confidential results in 4 working days
- Tests for syphilis infection
- All tests performed at our UK laboratory – so your samples won’t be sent abroad
- Adheres to BASHH, FSHR and MHRA guidelines for sexual health testing
- Test kit sent out in discreet, plain packaging
- Suitable for people with or without symptoms
- Only a finger prick blood sample required
If you are experiencing symptoms causing severe pain and discomfort or require face-to-face examination, we advise you to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
Discreet, reliable STI testing from our award-winning laboratory
Why choose an at-home Syphilis test?
Whether you are experiencing symptoms, or do not have symptoms and just want a test to put your mind at rest, an at-home Syphilis test from AlphaBiolabs is a simple, accurate way of finding out whether you have contracted a syphilis infection.
There are many reasons why you might want a Syphilis test including:
- You are experiencing symptoms e.g. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches and/or tiredness
- You engage in unprotected sex (or have engaged in unprotected sex in the past)
- You and/or your partner(s) have multiple sexual partners
- You and/or your partner(s) engage in drug use before/during sex
- You’ve met someone new and want to be sure you’re both healthy before beginning a physical relationship
Our Syphilis test can be used to detect syphilis infection using only a finger prick blood sample and can detect a syphilis infection even if you are not experiencing symptoms (asymptomatic).
Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect your samples and return them to our UK laboratory.
Once we receive your samples, your results will be emailed to you in just 4 working days, using the email address you supply when registering your test.
Order your at-home Syphilis test online now or by calling our friendly and discreet Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300.
How does the Syphilis test kit work?
Order your test kit and register online
Collect your sample
Post back to our UK laboratory
Receive your confidential results by email
When is the best time to take an at-home Syphilis test?
We recommend that you take a Syphilis test no sooner than 2 weeks after potential exposure to the infection.
If you collect your sample too soon, the results of your test may not be as accurate. This is because each STI/STD has a different ‘window period’ – the amount of time it takes from when you are first infected, to when an infection can be detected in a blood sample.
The window period for Syphilis is generally > 14 days (2 weeks) but it can take up to 12 weeks for syphilis antibodies to show up in a blood test.
It is recommended that if you take a test during the 12-week window period, and receive a Non-reactive result, you should also take another test after the window period has ended (after 12 weeks) to be sure you are clear of any infection.
You can take a Syphilis test whether you are symptomatic (experiencing symptoms) or asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms).
If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you test immediately. If you have no symptoms, you should take the test two weeks after potential exposure to the infection.
If you believe you have been exposed to a syphilis infection and are experiencing symptoms e.g. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), you can order a Herpes & Syphilis test. Please note, the Herpes & Syphilis test is only suitable for people who have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.
Sample collection
An AlphaBiolabs Syphilis test requires a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device.
When you receive your sample collection kit, simply follow the enclosed instructions to collect your sample.
Once you have collected your sample, carefully package the sample in the protective packaging, place it into the pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope and return it to our UK laboratory.
If you would like confidential advice on how to collect your sample, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to assist you (call 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com)
Results emailed to you in just 4 days
How accurate is a Syphilis test?
Our Syphilis test is 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.
The test meets the highest possible quality standard for STI testing, including laboratory testing methods and sample types used for testing (finger prick blood sample).
Better still, all our STI/STD tests have been developed in accordance with stringent guidelines as set by the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH), Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health (FSHR) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Learn more: Why is compliance with guidelines so important for STI testing?
What does the Syphilis test kit include?
The Syphilis test kit includes:
- Sample collection kit box
- Instruction leaflet
- Sterile blood collection tube with protective case
- Two sterile alcohol wipes
- Three finger prick lancet devices
- Three small zip lock bags (for used finger prick lancet devices)
- Pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope
Detects syphilis infection, even when you do not have symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is syphilis?
The infection is caused by Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) bacteria, and develops in four stages:
- Stage 1: This is known as primary syphilis. The infection is contagious at this stage and symptoms include one or more painless, firm, round sores on the genitals and/or other parts of the body. These can occur anywhere from 10 days to three months after the bacteria has entered the body.
- Stage 2: Also known as secondary syphilis. The infection remains contagious at this stage and symptoms include genital, anal, or oral (mouth) sores resembling warts, a red or red-brown rash, fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.
- Stage 3: Latent syphilis can last for several years, during which the infection remains in the body, but the infected person does not display any symptoms. However, there is a risk of symptoms reoccurring, and treatment is still recommended to reduce this risk and the chances of passing the infection to other people.
- Stage 4: This is known as tertiary or late syphilis and can occur many years after the initial infection. Some people have been known to develop tertiary syphilis as many as 10-30 years after first exposure and, although not contagious at this stage, symptoms can be much more severe and even life-threatening, causing damage to vital organs and systems including the heart and liver, as well as bones, blood vessels and joints.
If you are sexually active, regular syphilis testing can help give you peace of mind, or ensure the infection is detected early, so that you can seek the appropriate treatment.
When caught early, syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics. If the infection develops to a later stage, it can still be treated with antibiotics, but treatment can take much longer.
For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of syphilis?’
When should I consider having a syphilis test?
Examples include:
- You are experiencing symptoms e.g. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), flu-like symptoms including high temperature, headaches and tiredness
- You engage in unprotected sex (or have engaged in unprotected sex in the past)
- You and/or your partner(s) have multiple sexual partners
- You and/or your partner(s) engage in drug use before/during sex
- You’ve met someone new and want to be sure you’re both healthy before beginning a physical relationship
Whatever your situation, if you are sexually active, a Syphilis test can help put your mind at rest or enable you to get the correct medical treatment if the syphilis pathogen is detected within your sample.
Our Syphilis test requires a finger prick blood sample to be collected using a small finger prick lancet device.
For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of syphilis?’
Which STIs should I get tested for?
If you’re a man who’s sexually active…
It is recommended that you get an STI test annually. However, you may want to consider having a test every three- to- six- months if you are having regular unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
If you’re a woman who’s sexually active…
- It is recommended that you get an STI test annually. However, you may want to consider having a test every three- to- six- months if you are having regular unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
- If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis. Women who are high risk may also consider being tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
AlphaBiolabs offers a range of STI tests to help you keep your sexual health in check, including:
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea test
- 7-panel STI test
- HIV test
- Herpes test
- Syphilis test
- Herpes & Syphilis test
- HIV & Syphilis test
- Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HIV test
If you are having regular unprotected sex – especially if you and/or your partner have multiple sexual partners – it is recommended that you have a comprehensive sexual health test at least once a year.
This should include a multi-panel test such as our 7-panel STI test, which tests for some of the most common STIs in the UK, and at least one blood test, such as our:
For more information on symptoms and complications see ‘What are the symptoms of syphilis?’
When is the best time to take a Syphilis test?
Symptoms of syphilis can often be mild, or extremely difficult to notice, so regular sexual health checks are important. If left untreated syphilis can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications including heart, brain, nerve, and skin problems and even organ damage.
We recommend that you take a Syphilis test no sooner than 2 weeks after potential exposure to the infection.
If you collect your sample too soon, the results of your test may not be as accurate. This is because each STI/STD has a different window period – the amount of time it takes from when you are first infected to when an infection can be detected in a blood sample.
The window period for syphilis is generally >14 days (2 weeks) but it can take up to 12 weeks for syphilis antibodies to show up in a blood test.
It is recommended that if you take a test during the 12-week window period, and receive a Non-reactive result, you should also take another test after the window period has ended (after 12 weeks) to be sure you are clear of any infection.
You can take a Syphilis test whether you are symptomatic (experiencing symptoms) or asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms).
If you have symptoms, we recommend that you test immediately. If you have no symptoms, you should take the test two weeks after potential exposure to the infection.
If you believe you have been exposed to a syphilis infection and are experiencing symptoms e.g. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), you can order a Herpes & Syphilis test. Please note, the Herpes & Syphilis test is only suitable for people who have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.
General guidance
If you are sexually active, a comprehensive sexual health check is recommended once a year, and should include a multi-panel test such as our 7-panel STI test, which tests for some of the most common STIs in the UK, and at least one blood test, such as our:
If you are in a high-risk category and/or engage in frequent sexual activity with multiple partners, you may want to consider having a comprehensive sexual health check every 3-6 months.
For further advice and guidance, visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/
How accurate is a Syphilis test?
Our UKAS-accredited laboratory works to strict, government enforced protocols to ensure your results are as accurate as possible.
Unlike many other online STI testing providers, our range of STI/STD tests has been developed in accordance with stringent guidelines as set by the British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH), Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health (FSHR) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
If you have any concerns about the reliability of your results, we would be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have.
For further guidance, we recommend making an appointment with your GP or visiting your nearest sexual health clinic.
You can also learn more about STIs/STDs by visiting https://www.sexwise.org.uk/
How do I register my test?
Please follow this link to complete your registration form online, ensuring that all your personal details are correct before collecting your samples.
If you have not received the email by the time you receive your test kit, please contact us on 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com for assistance.
IMPORTANT: You MUST register your test online before returning your samples to our laboratory.
We will not be able to start the testing process until you have registered your test.
What samples are required?
When you receive your sample collection kit, simply follow the enclosed instructions to collect your sample.
Once you have collected your sample, carefully package the sample in the protective packaging, place it into the pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope and return it to our UK laboratory.
If you would like confidential advice on how to collect your sample, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to assist you (call 0333 600 1300 or email health@alphabiolabs.com).
How can syphilis be detected in a blood sample?
Antibodies are made by the body’s immune system to help us fight off viruses after we become infected.
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called Treponema Pallidum. When infected, our immune system creates specific syphilis antibodies to try and fight the bacteria.
Our Syphilis test looks for the presence of these antibodies.
For further advice and guidance, visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Our Syphilis test can detect a syphilis infection, using a finger prick blood sample.
The test requires a blood sample to be collected using a small, finger prick lancet device.
Below is an overview of some of the most common syphilis symptoms experienced by men and women, along with possible complications if left untreated:
MEN
| STI/STD | SYMPTOMS | POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS |
| Syphilis |
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WOMEN
| STI/STD | SYMPTOMS | POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS |
| Syphilis |
|
Syphilis can also be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriages, still births and birth defects. |
MEN
| Syphilis | |
| Symptoms | Possible Complications |
|
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WOMEN
| Syphilis | |
| Symptoms | Possible Complications |
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Syphilis can also be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriages, still births and birth defects. |
Can I take a Syphilis test if I don’t have symptoms?
Symptoms of syphilis can often be mild, or extremely difficult to notice, so regular sexual health checks are important. If left untreated syphilis can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications including heart, brain, nerve, and skin problems and even organ damage.
We recommend that you take a Syphilis test no sooner than 2 weeks after you believe you were first exposed to the infection.
If you collect your sample too soon, the results of your test may not be as accurate. This is because each STI/STD infection has a different window period – the amount of time it takes from when you are first infected, to when an infection can be detected in a blood sample.
The window period for syphilis is generally >14 days (2 weeks) but it can take up to 12 weeks for syphilis antibodies to show up in a blood test.
It is recommended that if you take a test during the 12-week window period, and receive a Non-reactive result, you should also take another test after the window period has ended (after 12 weeks) to be sure you are clear of any infection.
If you have symptoms, we recommend that you test immediately. If you have no symptoms, you should take the test two weeks after you believe you were first exposed to the infection.
Other AlphaBiolabs tests that you can take even if you do not have symptoms include our 7-panel STI test, Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea test, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HIV test, HIV Test and HIV & Syphilis test.
You can order one of these tests here.
If you believe you have been exposed to a syphilis infection and are experiencing symptoms e.g. small sores, ulcers and/or wart-like growths (on your genitals and/or other parts of your body), you can order a Herpes & Syphilis test. Please note, the Herpes & Syphilis test is only suitable for people who have symptoms and requires a swab sample to be collected from an active lesion, sore or ulcer.
What will the results of my Syphilis test tell me?
Antibodies are made by the body’s immune system to help us fight off viruses after we become infected.
If you receive a Reactive result, this means that syphilis antibodies were present in your blood sample at the time it was collected.
If you receive a Reactive result, you MUST contact your local GP or healthcare provider for further treatment and confirmatory diagnosis as soon as possible.
If you receive a Non-reactive result, this means that the antibodies were NOT present in your sample at the time of collection.
If you receive a Non-reactive result but believe you have been exposed to syphilis, you should take another test after 12 weeks (from when you believe you were first exposed to the infection).
Are the results of my Syphilis test private and confidential?
In the interests of public health and safety, AlphaBiolabs is required to report certain ‘clinically significant’ core organisms to Public Health England if they are detected within your sample.
However, this does not include syphilis.
Organisms that we are required to report to Public Health England include chlamydia trachomatis, mycoplasma hominis, mycoplasma genitalium, neisseria gonorrhoea and trichomonas vaginalis.
For this reason, we do ask for limited personal information from individuals submitting their samples for STI testing.
Reports made to Public Health England include the individual’s full name, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, and postcode.
Can you take a syphilis test when you’re pregnant?
If you are expecting a baby and you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have an STI, it’s especially important to get a test before the baby is born, as treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of passing an infection onto your baby. Certain STIs/STDs, including syphilis, can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or during delivery.
Although extremely rare, it is possible to receive a false positive result for this test if you are pregnant.
Confirmatory testing is essential for anyone who receives a Reactive result in order to provide a diagnosis and determine whether you have a current or past infection.
Should my partner also take a Syphilis test?
However, if you receive a Reactive result (indicating that a syphilis infection has been detected), you MUST let your sexual partner(s) know so that they can also arrange to be tested.
We strongly advise that you get an STI test if an infection has been detected in your partner’s sample.
My test results show that I have syphilis. What should I do?
Confirmatory testing is essential for anyone who receives a Reactive result in order to provide a diagnosis and determine whether you have a current or past infection. Although extremely rare, it is possible to receive a false positive result for this test.
You should also abstain from sexual contact, to avoid passing the infection(s) on to other people and contact any sexual partners as soon as possible to inform them of the result.
