AN OVERVIEW
About Syphilis Panel Test
Why is the syphilis panel test done?
The syphilis panel test is done to check if the patient has contracted this bacterial infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Pregnant women can transmit the disease to the fetus within them if they have contracted the disease.
Doctors order a syphilis panel test when patients show the following symptoms:
- The appearance of chancre (a painless sore ulcer) on the mouth, genitals, or anus
- Fever
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Swollen glands
- Weight loss
- Palms or base of the feet developing red rashes
The symptoms appear 2 to 3 weeks into the infection. People who do not show these symptoms and are actively having intercourse with multiple partners should routinely opt for the syphilis panel test. The initial symptoms of the infection are painless but it can manifest into something more damaging like heart failure or damaging other vital organs.
What does the syphilis panel test measure?
The syphilis panel test looks for the presence of the bacteria that causes the disease. This is confirmed by looking for the antibodies that are produced in the body to counter the infection caused by the bacteria T. pallidum. Tests checking for the presence of this bacteria fall under the category known as Treponemal antibody tests. While the nontreponemal antibody tests are also used, they cannot pinpoint if the antibodies produced are in relation to having contracted syphilis.
Pregnant women who have contracted the disease can pass on this infection to the fetus. This can be possible when the woman lives in areas considered to be at high risk for syphilis contraction, had unprotected intercourse with a stranger. With the tests used for screening, the mother can be treated to ensure the baby recovers.
Potential risks/side effects of the syphilis panel test
There are no known risks or side effects associated with the syphilis panel test. The test is conducted by collecting blood samples from the patient. The act of venipuncture might cause some pain and dizziness. But, these are not long-term damages. An experienced phlebotomist can collect samples without causing much discomfort to the patient.
Tests/Parameters included
The syphilis test is conducted in two steps. The screening tests and the confirming tests.
Screening tests or nontreponemal antibody tests are done to check the progress of the infection. The tests include:
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test
- Rapid immunochromatographic test
Confirmation tests are often done to check that the antibodies present are caused by the syphilis bacteria. The tests include:
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test
- Dark Field microscopy
- Treponema pallidum
- hemagglutination assay
- Chemiluminescence immunoassays
- Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Is fasting required?
The tests for syphilis does not require any special preparation on part of the patient. if the infection is in the early stage, detection via blood screening and tests will be enough.
What antibiotics are suggested as treatment?
Doctors resort to penicillin for treating syphilis no matter the stage of the disease.
What is Neurosyphilis?
In neurosyphilis, the disease affects the nervous system causing paralysis or Dementia.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Syphilis Panel test results
The syphilis panel test will either yield a positive result or a negative result. When the nontreponemal antibody tests yield a positive result, it needs to be confirmed with the treponemal antibody tests so treatment can be started.
It should be noted that the formation of antibodies takes time, at least 3 weeks from the onset of the infection. A negative result from a screening test should be repeated if the symptoms progress to the appearance of wart-like growths near the mouth, genitals, anus, or armpits.
The syphilis infection is caused by bacteria and antibiotics are used to treat the patient when the disease is detected early. When detected at an advanced stage, the antibiotics treatment can work but the damages caused before treatment are not undone.
Syphilis Panel Test In Chandigarh
The syphilis panel test in Chandigarh is done to check if the patient has contracted the sexually transmitted disease, syphilis. The test is prescribed by doctors if the patient shows symptoms of having contracted the bacterial infection. This early detection aids in treating the disease that can otherwise cause death. Other names of this test are rapid plasma reagin, agglutination assay, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test, and darkfield microscopy.
Book now Disclaimer: This site does not replace professional medical advice for Syphilis Panel Test In Chandigarh. Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your health.
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