How Much Does The Test Cost
When ordered by a doctor, the cost of testing for syphilis may be covered by a patients health care insurance. Patients should talk to their health insurance provider about specific patient costs, which may include copays and deductibles.
Other times, syphilis testing may be paid for out of pocket. In addition to the cost of the test itself, patients may be responsible for additional costs such as an exam fee, technician fees, and the cost of any test conducted at the same time.
For patients concerned about the cost of syphilis testing, it may be helpful to contact a local health department or community-based organizations that provide low-cost or free STD testing.
Questions For Your Doctor About Test Results
If youve recently received the results of a syphilis test, it may be beneficial to ask your doctor for additional information in understanding your result and planning for future testing. Helpful questions for you doctor include:
- What is my syphilis test result?
- Based on my test results, are any additional tests needed?
- How can I talk to my sexual partners about my test result?
- How often should I be tested for syphilis and other STDs?
Purpose Of A Physician
The purpose of syphilis testing ordered by a doctor is to identify a current syphilis infection. Testing may be ordered for the purposes of screening, diagnosis, or monitoring.
Screening looks for a syphilis infection in people without symptoms or a known exposure to the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Doctors recommend screening for syphilis in people who are at high risk of contracting syphilis or passing the infection to others, including pregnant people, people diagnosed with HIV, and others whose sexual activity increases their likelihood of exposure.
Diagnostic testing is recommended for anyone with signs or symptoms of this infection and those who have had intimate contact with someone who has a syphilitic sore. Diagnosing syphilis usually requires an initial screening test and a second test to confirm the result.
Monitoring is important in patients who are being treated for syphilis. Doctors may order additional syphilis tests to ensure that the infection is responding to the prescribed treatment.
More information about physician-ordered syphilis testing can be found in our guide to syphilis testing.
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Having An Undetectable Viral Load
The goal of HIV treatment is to have an undetectable viral load. This means the level of the virus in your body has dropped so low that is can no longer be detected in a test.
HIV treatment clinics commonly use two tests to measure how effective treatment is:
If you have been taking effective HIV treatment and your viral load tests have come back undetectable for more than 6 months, it means you cannot pass the virus on through sex. This is called undetectable& equals untransmittable .
Common Questions About Our Std Testing Services
When should I get tested for HIV?
If you believe youve been exposed to the virus, its time to get tested for HIV. Some common reasons for exposure to HIV include having unprotected sex, being a sexual partner of someone who has intercourse with others, sharing needles and/or being partners with an intravenous drug user.
Why should I get tested for hepatitis C?
While hepatitis C is not an STD, people with various types of STDs are often impacted by this disease. Reasons to get tested for hep-C include injecting drugs or already suffering from liver disease and/or HIV. If you have received donated blood or organs before 1992, or were born to a mother with the condition, we recommend getting hep-C testing. Contact us for help if you are unsure whether or not to get tested.
Should I get tested for an STD if I dont have symptoms?
You should get tested when you think youve been exposed to an STD, regardless of any lack of symptoms. Many people will not develop symptoms from an infection, or will discover them only after the condition has worsened.
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Introduction And Guiding Principles
A request was made by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on AIDS for the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop guidelines on HIV testing that reflect the realities facing care providers and their clients, as well as advances in HIV testing policy and practice. To inform the development of this guide, the Agency commissioned a literature review and consultations with key stakeholders, including people living with HIV/AIDS and other affected populations, academics, nurses, physicians, professional associations, non-governmental organizations, policy-makers, community workers, and legal and ethical experts. As a result, the recommendations outlined in the guide are based on the most up-to-date evidence and expert opinion.
What If I Decide Not To Have The Blood Test For Any Of The Infectious Diseases
If you decide not to have the test in early pregnancy, you’ll be seen by a specialist midwife and offered screening again before you are 20 weeks pregnant. The midwife will discuss the benefits of screening for these infections.
You can ask to have a test for hepatitis B, HIV or syphilis at any time if you change your sexual partner or think you’re at risk.
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Hiv Testing Types And Lab Technologies
This chapter provides information regarding available testing technologies, approaches to testing and interpretation of results. There are many different types of HIV screening tests that are licensed for use in Canada and can vary by jurisdiction. For questions or information specific to your province or territory please contact your local Public Health laboratory.
Benefits And Downsides Of At
It is important to consider the possible benefits and drawbacks of at-home syphilis testing to decide if an at-home test is right for you.
Some of the benefits of at-home syphilis testing include:
- Convenience: At-home syphilis testing allows you to take the test in privacy and at a convenient time for you without having to wait for an appointment with your doctor.
- Easy sample collection: At-home syphilis tests offer easy and fast sample collection, taking a blood sample by simply pricking a fingertip with a tiny needle.
- Clear pricing: Testing at home allows you to understand the full cost of the test from start to finish, so you dont have to worry about unexpected medical bills.
- Combining with other tests: Some at-home kits allow you to test for syphilis at the same time as testing for other STDs, saving you time and money and providing important information about your sexual health.
Some of the potential downsides of at-home syphilis testing include:
- Not diagnostic: Although at-home treponemal antibody testing can detect evidence of exposure to syphilis, these tests cannot diagnose a current infection especially if there are no active symptoms. Abnormal results require additional physician-ordered tests.
- Consumer costs: When ordered by a doctor, syphilis testing may be paid for by a persons health insurance, but health insurance plans usually dont cover the cost of at-home testing.
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What Does The Test Measure
Most forms of syphilis testing look for syphilis antibodies. Syphilis antibodies are substances in the blood that are made by the bodys immune system in people who come into contact with the bacteria that causes syphilis. Several types of antibody blood tests may be used to detect a syphilis infection.
Nontreponemal antibody tests detect antibodies that are not specific to the Treponema pallidum bacteria that causes syphilis. Although these antibodies are usually produced when a person has syphilis, they can also be produced in response to other conditions. People usually test negative for these antibodies after successful treatment for syphilis infection.
Nontreponemal antibody tests are usually used as an initial screening test and a positive result must be confirmed with another type of test. There are several types of nontreponemal antibody tests that may be used to detect and monitor syphilis:
- Rapid plasma reagin test: This test looks for the reagin antibody, which is often produced by the body in response to a syphilis infection.
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory : A VDRL test measures antibodies that are often produced within one to two weeks after an infected person develops an initial sore. VDRL testing can be performed on blood or spinal fluid.
Treponemal tests are usually performed to confirm an infection after a patient has a positive result on a nontreponemal screening test. Some of the most common treponemal tests include:
Hiv/std Community Program Evening Clinic
Wake County Health & Human Services, HIV/STD Community Program has now resumed our evening clinic! We provide FREE and confidential HIV/STD testing for . Every Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 pm 7:30 pm at Wake County Health & Human Services, Clinic E, 10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh 27610. No appointment necessary.
Medicaid and insurance may be billed for individuals who have third-party coverage. Services are provided at the community testing sites listed below.
All HIV/STD tests are free and confidential.
The testing sites listed below are open to the general public unless otherwise specified.
College students should inquire about free STD testing and condoms at your colleges Health Service Center.
For information about Wake Countys HIV/STD program: Call: 919-250-3883
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What Our Customers Are Saying
DeWayne Ford
This year we were able to test 72 people in a single day. As the event promotes HIV/AIDS awareness, its natural that we would also offer rapid HIV testing. We want to make sure everyone knows they can get their test results in 60 seconds. Its so much easier and more attractive for people to come and get tested if they know its that fast.
Steven
When testing is fast and portable, its so much easier to offer it there and then. Removing the barriers to access is a huge priority for us. The INSTI test kit is game-changing because it allows people to know their status so quickly.
Jonathon
With the last test we were using, there were some concerns about window periods and the length of time it took for the test to run. It made outreach testing too complicated. Very quickly after trying INSTI in the field, we realized that a one-minute test would be ideal for use in public spaces and it could enhance our outreach programs
Free Hiv Syphilis Testing Available
Since 2010, Missouri health officials have seen a spike in syphilis cases in the St. Louis area, particularly among men who also are infected with HIV.
The trend is especially worrisome because the sores associated with syphilis significantly increase the risk of transmitting or becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
To encourage testing, and in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day Monday, June 27, Washington University School of Medicine is teaming with the City of St. Louis Department of Health to offer free, confidential tests for HIV and syphilis.
HIV testing is available Monday, June 27-Thursday, June 30, and syphilis testing is available Monday, June 27-Wednesday, June 29. Both tests are offered from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. at the School of Medicines Infectious Diseases Clinic at 4570 Childrens Place. No appointment is necessary.
Testing is crucial because an estimated 20 percent of Americans living with HIV are unaware they are infected, says infectious diseases specialist Nur Onen, MD, assistant professor of medicine. The earlier a person is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be effective. Syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics if detected early, but testing is important because symptoms are not always apparent.
For questions about testing, please call 314-747-1244 or 314-747-1237.
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What Happens If The Result Comes Back Positive
The next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate any symptoms, for example, and prevent the infection from passing to others.
A healthcare professional can also provide guidance about any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of contracting STIs.
Which Std Tests Should I Get
If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing.
Below is a brief overview of STD testing recommendations. STD screening information for healthcare providers can be found here.
You can quickly find a place to be tested for STDs by entering your zip code in the form below.
Find an STD testing site near you.
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Get Tested For Hiv And Stis At Home For Free
Rates of sexually transmitted infections are expected to rise. Know your status with TakeMeHomes free HIV and STI test kits.
April is National STD Awareness Month, so what better time to have one of TakeMeHomes free test kits for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis delivered to your home?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in testing for sexually transmitted infections . Not only did COVID-19 cause many clinics to close, but many of their health care workers also had to redirect their efforts to battling the new pandemic. As a result, experts are predicting a rise in HIV and STI rates. For more about that, see How Coronavirus Shutdown Could Cause an Uptick in HIV Cases.
Even though clinics are now reopening, many people either dont feel safe to return to them or prefer the privacy of their own home for HIV and STI testing. Thanks to TakeMeHome.org, free home testing is available to more people across the country.
NASTAD continues to partner with Building Healthy Online Communities and TakeMeHome on a free HIV and STD test kit home…
Posted by NASTAD on Wednesday, March 24, 2021
To get the word out about the free home test delivery program, TakeMeHome partnered with HIV and sexual health organizations, including NASTAD, which represents HIV and hepatitis health care leaders Building Healthier Online Communities the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
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Questions For Your Doctor After At
After learning about at-home syphilis test results, its important for people to ask their doctor for support in understanding test results and the need for future STD testing. Questions for the doctor may include:
- What does my at-home syphilis test result mean for my health?
- Are any additional tests needed to confirm my result?
- How often should I be tested for syphilis?
- Should I be tested for other STDs?
- Should my partner be tested?
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Use Condoms And Dont Share Drug Equipment
The most common way to contract HIV is by having sex without a condom. Certain bodily fluids are highly infectious in people who are living with the virus and are not on effective treatment:
- blood
- vaginal discharge
- anal secretions.
When using condoms, make sure you are not using an oil-based lubricant as these can weaken the condom, meaning it is more likely to split. Water based lubricants or lubes are easy to get hold of and do not weaken condoms. Lube is available from most pharmacies and sexual health clinics.
Sharing injecting equipment puts you are risk of catching HIV and other viruses such as hepatitis C.
If you use needles to inject drugs, steroids, hormones or silicone, never share any injecting equipment .
Sharing water to wash or flush out needles can also lead to the transmission of HIV.
Infected blood can be injected and can pass on HIV whilst injecting into:
- veins
Factors That Increase Risk For Hiv Infection
Sexually active but no history of being tested for HIV.
Use of shared drug equipment with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
Unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
Multiple and/or anonymous sexual partnering.
For men, a history of sex with other men.
Diagnosis of other STI, hepatitis B or C.
Sexual activity, sharing of drug-use equipment, or receipt of blood or blood products for people originating from, or who have travelled to, regions where HIV is endemic.
Receipt of blood or blood products in Canada prior to November 1985.
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Where To Access Testing Services
Standard HIV testing can generally be accessed through any health provider across the country. Each province is responsible for licensing the laboratories that provide HIV screening and confirmatory testing in its jurisdiction. In general, all provincial Public Health Laboratories provide both screening and confirmatory testing. Reference and specialized services, when required, are provided by the National HIV Reference Serology Laboratory after consultation with the provincial laboratory. It is advisable to contact your testing laboratory to confirm the specimen collection details.
Anonymous or POC testing locations can be found by calling a local HIV/AIDS hotline .
Clinical Indications For Hiv Testing
Individuals requesting an HIV test.
Individuals with symptoms and signs of HIV infection.
Individuals with illnesses associated with a weakened immune system or a diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse or use of shared drug equipment with a partner whose HIV status is known to be positive.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy and their partners as appropriate.
Victims of sexual assault.
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When Should I Get A Syphilis Test
Adults without symptoms should be screened for syphilis only if they are at an increased risk of infection or of transmitting the infection to others. Factors that increase a persons risk of contracting syphilis and indicate the need for annual screening include:
- Being male and under age 29
- Having a history of incarceration
- Involvement in commercial sex work
- Living in an area with high syphilis infection rates
- Being Black or African American
Other groups also benefit from regular screening at certain intervals. These groups include:
- Pregnant people at first prenatal visit, at 28 weeks, and again at delivery if high risk.
- Men and anyone with a penis who is sexually active and has sex with another person with a penis should be tested annually. More regular testing may be recommended if they have additional risk factors.
- Transgender and gender diverse people should be screened annually depending on sexual behaviors and risk of exposure.
- People diagnosed with HIV may be screened at their first HIV evaluation, then one or more times each year depending on their behaviors and local infection rates.
The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary based on the stage of an infection: