Syphilis Lab Test – At-Home Sampling

Test yourself for syphilis using a capillary blood sample collected at home and sent to the laboratory. The analysis looks for laboratory markers associated with the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*.

The test at a glance

• Sample collection entirely at home
• Liquid capillary blood from the fingertip
• Laboratory analysis
• Medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189
• Quality assurance according to Rili-BÄK
• Digital result in a personal health portal

What is analyzed?

*Treponema pallidum* – syphilis

The laboratory analyzes markers for infection with *Treponema pallidum*, the bacterium that causes syphilis. A reactive result requires assessment and, if necessary, confirmation within the healthcare system.

Symptoms and when testing may be relevant

The test may be relevant after sexual exposure, in the presence of symptoms consistent with syphilis, or as part of a broader STI screening.

Syphilis can cause an often painless sore, followed by a rash, swollen lymph nodes, or general symptoms. The infection can also remain asymptomatic for long periods.

An infection can exist without clear symptoms. Therefore, test results and the time elapsed since possible exposure must be assessed together.

Who is this test for?

• For those who want to get tested after possible sexual exposure.
• For those with symptoms who want a laboratory result.
• For those who want to take the test at home.

How the test works

1. Order the test and receive a discreet sampling kit at home.
2. Read the instructions carefully.
3. Prick your fingertip and collect liquid capillary blood in the sample tube.
4. Label, pack, and send the sample to the laboratory.
5. The laboratory analyzes the specified infection markers.
6. View the result digitally in your personal health portal.

Before taking the sample

Follow the instructions in the sampling kit. The timing relative to a potential exposure is important, as an infection may be too recent to detect. In the event of recent exposure, symptoms, or continued suspicion, a new sample or contact with a healthcare provider may be necessary.

Laboratory and quality

The sample is analyzed at a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189. The laboratory's quality assurance also adheres to Rili-BÄK guidelines for laboratory medical testing.

• Sample material: liquid capillary blood
• Sampling location: at home
• Result: digital laboratory report
• Turnaround time: transport time and the scope of the analysis affect the total time

Results and follow-up

The result is displayed digitally, accompanied by the laboratory's information. A reactive or positive screening result requires assessment and, if necessary, confirmation by a healthcare professional. A negative result does not always rule out a very recently acquired infection.

Important

Seek medical attention immediately for personalized advice following a situation with a significant risk of infection, especially if preventive treatment may be time-critical. The test does not replace medical assessment or treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What causes syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*.

Can syphilis be asymptomatic?

Yes. The infection may have periods without clear symptoms.

When should I get tested?

Follow the laboratory's current information regarding the timing of the test. An early test may need to be repeated.

What does a reactive result mean?

The result requires follow-up and, if necessary, confirmation by a healthcare provider.

Can syphilis be treated?

Yes. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but assessment and treatment must be carried out by a healthcare provider.

Is the result automatically reported to an authority or a health center?

The result is not automatically sent to a government agency or health center. The sample is processed by the laboratory, and the result is displayed in your personal health portal in accordance with the service’s procedures for handling health and personal data.