Syphilis rapid test is a quick diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of Treponema pallidum (TP), the bacterium responsible for syphilis. By detecting the Treponemal antibodies (IgG and IgM) the test will indicate a current or past syphilis infection within 10-30 minutes.

The Synthgene® Syphilis Test is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of anti-Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) in human whole blood, serum or plasma specimens. Only three drops of human plasma/spine (approximately 75ul) or two drop of human whole blood (fingertip blood or venous blood) (approximately 50ul) are required to perform this test. As finger prick is sufficient for the sample it makes the testing process minimally invasive and easy to administer.  The results will be observed in 10 minutes and will be effective within 30 minutes. The test procedure requires no special training or qualification.

Syphilis is sexually transmitted, and can also be passed on from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. Most persons with syphilis tend to be unaware of their infection and they can transmit the infection to their sexual contacts or, in the case of a pregnant woman, to her unborn child. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious consequences such as stillbirth, prematurity and neonatal deaths. Early detection and treatment is also critical in preventing severe long term complications in the patient and onward transmission to sexual partners.

How is syphilis diagnosed

Since most patients with syphilis have no symptoms or signs, diagnosis relies on a blood test for the detection of antibodies. The antibody response to T. pallidum can be detected within 4 to 7 days after the syphilis chancre appears, allowing the early detection and diagnosis of a syphilis infection. These are simple point of care tests and can be performed outside a laboratory setting with minimal training and no equipment using a small amount of whole blood collected by a finger prick.

Result Interpretation

A positive result is indicated by red bands appearing in both the detection area (T) and the control area (C), meaning the sample contains syphilis antibodies. A negative result is indicated by no red band in the detection area (T) and a red band in the control area (C), indicating that syphilis antibodies are not present in the sample. If no red band appears in the control area (C), regardless of the result in the detection area (T), the test is considered invalid, and a retest is recommended.

Note: While the test is highly sensitive and specific, false positives and negatives may occur. False positives can result from other infections, autoimmune diseases, or pregnancy, while false negatives may occur in early primary syphilis or late untreated syphilis.