Syphilis Tests

Microhemagglutination assay (MHA-TP), (Syphilis Test), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test, (Syphilis Test), Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test, (Syphilis Test)

How It Is Done

A syphilis test may be done on a sample of blood, sore, skin, or spinal fluid, depending on which type of test is done.

Sore or skin sample

A sample of fluid or tissue may be taken from an open sore (chancre) or from a rash that might be caused by syphilis.

• A fluid sample is obtained by gently pressing the chancre.
• Skin or mucous membrane samples may be obtained by gently rubbing a cotton-tipped swab over the area affected.

Blood sample

The health professional taking a sample of your blood will:

• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
• Clean the needle site with alcohol. Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood. Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
• Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.

Spinal fluid sample

A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is done to collect a spinal fluid sample for syphilis testing.

For a lumbar puncture, a thin needle is inserted into the spinal canal in the lower back area. After the needle is in place, a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is removed from the spinal canal. For more information, see the medical test Lumbar Puncture.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Maureen Shea	Last Updated: November 27, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.