Syphilis Test

Also known as: VDRL; RPR; FTA; TPHA

Formal name: Treponema pallidum

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To screen for syphilis infection

When to Get Tested?

If you have symptoms of a syphilis infection, if you have another STD, or are pregnant

Sample Required?

Usually a scraping from a chancre (ulcer or sore) in the affected area, a blood sample from a vein in your arm, or a spinal tap (lumbar puncture), depending on the test being used

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This article was last reviewed on June 4, 2004. | This page was last modified on August 3, 2010.

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