What Tests Are Used To Identify Syphilis? According To Medic,

Posted on Fri, 28 Jun 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : What tests are used to identify syphilis? According to Medic, my husband’s blood tests tested positive for this, then they submitted the sample for confirmatory testing, and it was positive. He had an affair with his coworker (heterosexual) in 2000-2001. He didn’t have any symptoms ever..since then. Now, Medic said he has this. Initial confirmation of syphilis was made in Dec 2018 and retested in May 2019. Is this possible? Can this cause elevation in liver enzymes?

Answered by Dr. Dr. B. Radhakrishnan. Nair (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Probably he would not have tested for syphilis at that time.
VDRL/RPA test is a screening test for syphilis.
TPHA OR FTA-ABS tests are more confirmatory .
You can discuss with your physician.
HOPE MY ANSWER HELPS YOU
REGARDS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. B. Radhakrishnan. Nair (6 hours later)

Could these be false positives? Can latent syphilis be delayed 19 years? My physical this year has disturbing numbers. See prior question and answer by Dr. Puri. We am concerned that my liver is under attack by this year issue?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. B. Radhakrishnan. Nair (14 hours later)

Please answer my follow up question.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. B. Radhakrishnan. Nair (14 hours later)

This is not good service. I have a follow up question and it has been almost 24 hours.

Answered by Dr. Dr. B. Radhakrishnan. Nair (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Sorry for the delay.It was due to technical problems.
vdrl can be false positive but TPHA is reliable.
So you can rule out syphilis after TPHA .
I dont think your present symptoms are of syphilis.
HOPE MY ANSWER HELPS YOU
REGARDS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj