Question 1

Can the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit be used for routine screening?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the test kit can be used for routine screening, especially if you are sexually active and have multiple partners, are a man who has sex with men, or have a partner who has tested positive for syphilis. Regular screening can help in early detection and treatment.

Question 2

Why do I need a Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis can cause serious health issues if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and nervous system. It is also possible to pass the infection on even when symptoms are not present. Testing ensures you can seek treatment promptly and prevent the spread of the infection.

Question 3

How accurate is the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit?

Accepted Answer

The test kits are highly accurate and have a specificity and sensitivity of over 99%. Still, as with any diagnostic test, none is 100% accurate. False positives and negatives can occur based on factors like the timing of the test or biological variability.

Question 4

What should I do if the test results are negative?

Accepted Answer

If the test indicates a negative result, it is likely you do not have an active syphilis infection. A negative result doesn't always mean you are entirely free as the body usually takes a couple of weeks after infection to produce antibodies.

Question 5

What to do if the test results are positive?

Accepted Answer

If your test results are positive, it is advisable to get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately to discuss treatment options. Syphilis is curable with the right antibiotics. However, treatment will not undo any damage already caused by the disease.

Question 6

How to interpret the results of the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test?

Accepted Answer

The test results will either be positive (indicating that syphilis antibodies were detected, suggesting an infection) or negative (no syphilis antibodies were discovered, which tends to mean you don't have an active infection). If unsure about your results, consult with a healthcare professional.

Question 7

How do I use the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit?

Accepted Answer

The test kit comes with clear instructions on how to prepare for the test, safely collect your blood sample and return it for analysis. It involves a simple finger-prick procedure where a lancet is used to lightly pierce the finger to get a blood sample. This sample is then analysed in a UKAS accredited lab.

Question 8

How does the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit work?

Accepted Answer

The test functions by detecting the body's immune response to the infection. The immune system produces specific antibodies (IgG & IgM) upon infection by the T. pallidum bacteria. The kit analyses a small blood sample collected via a finger-prick to identify these antibodies.

Question 9

What symptoms can the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test help to diagnose?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is characterised by stages, and its symptoms vary with each stage. In the primary stage, you may see sore(s) at the infection site (often genitals, rectum, or mouth). During the secondary stage, rashes and sores may occur on other parts of the body. The test helps in diagnosing these symptoms and confirming a syphilis infection.

Question 10

What is the Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit specially designed for?

Accepted Answer

The Syphilis (IgG & IgM) test kit is a diagnostic tool intended for the detection of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The test detects antibodies (IgG and IgM) produced by the body in response to the infection.