How is syphilis diagnosed?
Syphilis is known as the “great imitator.” This is because many of the symptoms of syphilis are the same as those seen in other diseases. In turn, laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose syphilis. There are two ways to diagnose syphilis. If you have a sore (primary syphilis) or pox-like lesions (secondary syphilis), your doctor can collect a small sample and send it to a lab for examination under a microscope. Your doctor can also collect a sample of blood and send it to a lab for analysis. During the first two to three weeks of infection, there is a possibility of a blood test coming back negative when in fact you are positive (a false-negative result). Another test, using the same sample of blood, can be done to confirm whether or not the bacterium is present.
Your caregiver will ask you about your medical and sexual history. You will be asked about any STDs you have had before. He may ask about the health condition of your sexual partner or partners. You may also need any of the following: • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once. • Chancre tests: This is a test where caregivers get sample tissues or fluids from the sores. They use a special piece of equipment called a dark field microscope to look for the bacteria that causes syphilis. • Spinal fluid exam: Sample fluid is taken from your spine and sent to lab for tests. This is done when your caregiver thinks that your nerves, brain, and spinal cord may be affected. Ask your caregiver for more information about lumbar puncture fo
