Syphilis is caused by the treponema pallidum bacteria and this infection can be transmitted through direct or sexual contact with an infected person. Syphilis testing can help identify the bacteria in the body fluids, blood or tissue of an infected person. This is done through tests that help in detecting the antibodies to the bacteria.

Syphilis testing may be done to detect the condition before the symptoms appear. This helps in seeking immediate medical attention and thereby helps in avoiding long term problems. The testing may be done on samples of sores, skin, spinal fluid or blood. Fluid sample may be obtained by pressing the chancres gently while skin samples or mucus samples can be obtained by rubbing a cotton swab on the affected area.

Syphilis testing includes certain tests such as the venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL). This test detects antibodies that are produced in the body of those people who possibly suffer from this infection. This test may not be completely accurate as the antibody may not be specifically produced in reaction to the bacteria. This test may be conducted on a sample of spinal fluid or the blood of the patient.

Other tests used for syphilis testing include the rapid plasma regain test (RPR) which detects the antibodies to this infection. The enzyme immunoassay test is a new blood test that checks for the antibodies to bacteria that are responsible for causing this infection. A positive result of this test should be confirmed with the VDRL or the RPR test.

Syphilis testing also uses other tests like the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS). This test is used to detect the antibodies to the infection but it cannot be used in the first 4 weeks following an exposure to the bacteria. This test is also comparatively difficult to do and so may be used to confirm the infection after some other test is used.

Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay test (TPPA) is another test used in syphilis testing. This test is normally used to confirm this infection once some other procedure has tested positive for the bacteria. The darkfield microscopy test employs a specific microscope that examines a tissue taken from an open sore or a sample of fluid. This test can be used to detect syphilis infection at an early stage. In micohemagglutination assay test (MHA-TP) the antibodies developed are detected. This test cannot be used to detect the infection in the first 3 to 4 weeks.