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5 Best At-Home Syphilis Test Kits in 2024

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Evelyn

May. 20, 2024
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5 Best At-Home Syphilis Test Kits in

Taking charge of your sexual health is crucial, and it includes regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis. At-home syphilis test kits offer a way to do this testing privately and conveniently, eliminating the need for time-consuming clinic visits.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit syphilis rapid test.

In my quest to find the best at-home syphilis test kits, I&#;ve put several kits to the test. My evaluation considered factors such as accuracy, ease of use, result turnaround time, and customer service. From this, I&#;ve compiled a list of the top DNA kits suitable for syphilis testing.

Among them, LetsGetChecked stands out as the top choice for at-home syphilis testing. The kit is easy to use, provides accurate results, and has a fast delivery time for results. Also, LetsGetChecked shines with its stellar customer support, making it a comprehensive choice for at-home syphilis testing.

Get Started With LetsGetChecked

Short on Time? Here Are the Best At Home Syphilis Test Kits in :

  • LetsGetChecked &#; Budget-friendly bundle options with free support, results app tracking, and reports in a couple of days.
  • Everlywell &#; Individual syphilis testing, fast results, and subscription options for ongoing sexual health screening.
  • myLAB Box &#; Couples&#; syphilis screening and more bundle options, plus free support with positive results.
  • STDCheck.com &#; Get results quickly with the same-day testing.
  • HealthLabs &#; Tests for different stages of syphilis.

See how each test compares I FAQs

How We Tested the Best Syphilis At-Home Tests

Here&#;s what I looked for when reviewing and evaluating each kit:

  • STD options: I found tests that offer a mix of individual syphilis kits and more comprehensive bundles.
  • Privacy: It&#;s important that your kit is discreet and unidentifiable, especially if it&#;s being shipped to your home. Every in-lab option also offers confidential testing.
  • Price: STD kits shouldn&#;t cost you your monthly paycheck, so I only chose those that are budget-friendly and worth paying for.
  • Time to results: Each kit on this list produces your report in a few days, so you aren&#;t waiting long for your results.

Best At Home Syphilis Test Kits Reviewed

  • Choice of two bundle kits that screen for syphilis and other common STDs
  • Discreet, plain packaging
  • Free physician support with your results
  • Results in 2-5 days

LetsGetChecked offers two bundle kits that screen for syphilis alongside other STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, so it&#;s great for combining everything in one.

We were impressed with the discreetness of the packaging. There&#;s no way to tell it&#;s an STD test when it arrives at your home, which is great for privacy.

Both tests require a urine and finger-prick blood sample. My colleague&#;s kit came with fully detailed instructions and it only takes a couple of minutes.

Results are really quick, too. LetsGetChecked promises reports in 2-5 days, and we received ours in 3. It&#;s all accessible from an app, which we really liked.

Your report clearly shows whether syphilis was detected or not with an abnormal or normal result, with some extra information about what your results mean.

What we liked most, however, was the fact you can schedule a free call with a physician from your app to discuss your results. You can also order treatment at no extra cost, but unfortunately not for syphilis.

LetsGetChecked has subscription options so you can test for syphilis every 3, 6, or 12 months and save on cost, too. You can keep track of your repeat tests using the app, with all your results stored in one place.

Get Started With LetsGetChecked

  • Individual syphilis test, plus male and female bundle kits
  • Results in a couple of days
  • Free support with positive results
  • Subscription option for ongoing testing

Everlywell has an individual syphilis kit, so if you just want to screen for that and nothing else, it&#;s a good option. Or you can buy comprehensive male and female STD kits that look for all common STDs.

The kit arrived with pre-paid return shipping in plain packaging so it&#;s unidentifiable in the post.

If you go for the syphilis standalone kit, it&#;s only a finger prick blood spot. But the male and female STD tests require other sampling methods, including swabs. Regardless, it&#;s really straightforward and easy to do.

Results take a couple of days, which are accessible from your online account. My colleague&#;s report was clear and easy to understand &#; it&#;s also color-coded which makes it easy to identify any concerns.

The report came with some advice on further testing, but you only get free physician support if you test positive. They contact you to discuss your treatment options and offer advice. For normal results, you just get links to further reading.

You have the option to sign up for an Everlywell membership for ongoing testing. You pay a monthly fee of around $25 and can order any kit you like, so you&#;re not limited to just syphilis tests, but any of the health and wellness ones.

Get Started With Everlywell

  • Individual syphilis test and couples&#; box
  • Results in 3-5 days
  • Free consultation for any positive results
  • Free return shipping to the lab

We appreciate myLAB Box for its unique offerings, including a test kit designed for couples called the Love Box. This kit screens for syphilis and seven other common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.

The kits are available in configurations for male and male, female and female, or male and female pairs, ensuring there&#;s an option suitable for every couple. Each kit contains specific sample collection equipment for each person, along with clear instructions.

For those only needing to test for syphilis, myLAB Box also offers an individual kit that is more affordable. However, I recommend opting for the bundle kits as they provide better value for money.

The packaging is discreet and unidentifiable when mailed, and it typically arrives within a few days. Returning the kit to the lab is free, and the return envelope is also designed for privacy, which we found to be a thoughtful touch.

Results take around 3-5 days, even with the more comprehensive test. We expected the individual syphilis test to turn around results even more quickly, but 5 days isn&#;t too long to wait.

Your report includes a reactive or non-reactive result. If you test positive, you also get guidance on accessing a free telemedicine consultation with a doctor to discuss your results and possible treatment options.

Get Started With myLab Box

  • Get tested on the same day you buy your kit
  • Individual syphilis kit and 10-panel bundle test
  • Results in 1-2 days
  • Free call with a nurse for positive results

STDcheck.com offers same-day STD testing, but it comes with a slight catch. You can&#;t take the test at home, but instead must visit one of their labs.

Thankfully, the testing process is very discreet. My colleague booked his appointment at the lab on the same day and was in and out within 15 minutes. He didn&#;t have to answer any further questions or fill in any forms, so no one knew what he was being tested for other than the nurse.

You have the choice of several different STD tests, too. There is a separate syphilis kit or the 10-panel test that screens for all common STDs alongside syphilis. This also includes hepatitis A, which we haven&#;t seen with many other STD kits.

You don&#;t actually have to make an appointment to visit the lab to get tested, but it can help reduce waiting times. Either way, you can go within a few hours of buying your test. This also cuts down results waiting times. My colleague&#;s report was ready in 1 day.

The report itself isn&#;t too impressive. It gives you a reactive or non-reactive result, but no further advice or explanation.

You do get a free physician consultation if you test positive, and they can give you a prescription for free that you take to your local chemist. You still have to pay for the treatment itself, though.

Get Same-Day Testing with STDCheck.com!

  • Choice of two syphilis tests that detect all syphilis stages
  • In-lab, same-day testing
  • Choose to get your results in lab, via , or on a call
  • Results in 24-72 hours

With HealthLabs, you have the choice of two different kits that can detect syphilis across all three stages. The T. Pallidum kit screens for syphilis in the later stages when it&#;s harder to detect, so if you think you may have had it before, this is a great choice.

There&#;s a rapid plasma reagin test, which looks for syphilis antibodies. We liked that the report not only shows you whether antibodies were detected but actually how many antibodies you have.

If you prefer a bundle option, there are plenty of other kits on offer. We particularly liked the comprehensive STD panel, which screens for 9 STDs, including early HIV detection, which you usually have to buy separately from other testing companies.

All HealthLabs tests have to be taken in the lab, so it&#;s perhaps not as discreet as other options. If you&#;re comfortable visiting the lab, though, it&#;s very straightforward and you can go without an appointment to provide your sample. You can also get tested on the same day you buy your kit.

One thing we really liked is that you can choose how you receive your results. They can be sent to you via , you visiting the lab, or you can request a confidential call from a physician. Our results typically took 24-72 hours via , so it&#;s very speedy.

Get Started With HealthLabs

How Accurate Are Home Syphilis Tests?

At-home STD tests achieve the same level of accuracy as those conducted by healthcare professionals because they utilize the same laboratories for processing both at-home kits and samples collected in clinics.

However, it&#;s essential to recognize that the timing of the test concerning potential exposure significantly influences the accuracy of STD results. Consider syphilis, for instance: to achieve optimal accuracy, testing should ideally take place 3-6 weeks after potential exposure. This window allows the virus enough time to develop for detection, as testing too soon after initial exposure may lead to false-negative results.

At-Home Syphilis Test Kits: Important Things to Note

Some STD tests might look cheap but they can come with hidden costs that quickly add up, whether that&#;s shipping, processing, or support.

All of the kits on this list that offer home shipping do so free of charge. That also includes return shipping, as your kit includes a pre-paid envelope to send your sample back.

LetsGetChecked offers free support regardless of your results, though many other companies like STDcheck.com and myLAB Box only offer free support if you test positive.

The quality of your sample can also affect your results, such as whether you provided enough urine or blood to detect an infection. Always follow the instructions as stated and read up on the incubation periods before taking your test.

Understanding Your Results

Your report will show you a positive or negative result, depending on whether syphilis has been detected in your blood. Sometimes, this can also be reported as reactive (positive) or non-reactive (negative).

If you chose a bundle option, your results will include the same information for other STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis.

What At-Home Syphilis Test Kits Test For

A syphilis at-home test kit is designed to detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the presence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. These kits primarily utilize treponemal antibody tests, which can identify the antibodies generated as a result of an infection from Treponema pallidum. It usually takes a few weeks for these antibodies to develop after exposure to the bacteria.

One important thing to note is that treponemal antibodies can persist in the body even after successful treatment for syphilis. Therefore, a positive result from a treponemal antibody test does not necessarily indicate a current infection but rather signifies the presence of these antibodies, whether it&#;s from a past or ongoing infection.

Conversely, nontreponemal antibody tests, typically administered by healthcare providers rather than available for at-home use, serve a different role. These tests detect antibodies produced by the body in response to a syphilis infection but do not directly confirm the presence of the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Nontreponemal antibody tests offer supplementary information to healthcare providers, aiding in both the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of syphilis infections.

In summary, at-home syphilis test kits utilize treponemal antibody tests to identify antibodies produced in response to Treponema pallidum infection. It&#;s important to recognize that these tests cannot differentiate between past and current infections. In contrast, nontreponemal antibody tests, not intended for home use, provide additional diagnostic insights for healthcare professionals. For a comprehensive evaluation and accurate interpretation of syphilis test results, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.

When to Take an At-Home Syphilis Test

Testing for syphilis is important to ensure early detection and timely treatment, especially since many individuals infected with syphilis may not experience noticeable symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined specific recommendations for regular syphilis testing, including:

  1. Pregnant people: It is crucial for pregnant individuals to get tested for syphilis, as the infection can be passed on to the unborn child and lead to severe health complications.
  2. Sexually active people: Regular testing is strongly recommended to detect and treat syphilis promptly.
  3. People with HIV: Individuals who are living with HIV have a weakened immune system, which can make them more susceptible to syphilis. Regular testing is advised to detect and manage co-infections effectively.
  4. People with partners who have tested positive for syphilis: If a sexual partner has been diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to get tested to ensure early detection and treatment if necessary.

In addition to these specific recommendations, Planned Parenthood, an advocacy group, suggests that anyone who has engaged in vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a barrier method, such as a condom, should consider getting tested for syphilis. Since many STIs, including syphilis, can be asymptomatic, testing is an essential step in identifying infections and preventing their spread.

Symptoms and Treatment for Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses in stages and can cause a wide range of symptoms if left untreated. Here are the different stages and symptoms:

  • The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by the appearance of a painless sore called a chancre at the site of infection, such as the genitals, anus, or mouth. This sore can go unnoticed or heal on its own, leading individuals to be unaware of their infection. As a result, syphilis can easily be transmitted to others.
  • The secondary stage where symptoms can include a rash, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms may come and go over several weeks or months.
  • Latent stage, where no visible symptoms are present. However, the infection remains in the body and can cause serious complications if not treated.
  • Late stage when syphilis can affect various organs, including the heart, brain, blood vessels, and bones. This can lead to severe health problems such as cardiovascular issues, neurological disorders, blindness, and even death.

Fortunately, syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, primarily penicillin. The specific treatment regimen depends on the stage and duration of the infection. In the early stages, a single injection of penicillin is usually sufficient to cure the infection. For individuals allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics can be prescribed.

It&#;s important to note that treatment can stop the progression of the disease, but it cannot reverse any damage that has already occurred. Regular follow-up tests are necessary to ensure the infection has been successfully eradicated.

To prevent syphilis, practicing safe sex by using condoms and getting tested regularly for STIs is crucial. If you suspect you may have syphilis or have been exposed to the infection, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to receive proper testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

At Home Syphilis Test Kits: Comparison Table

  Syphilis Tests Available Best Features Time to Results Starting Price LetsGetChecked Bundle options Free physician support

Subscription service

2-5 days

$149.00

Everlywell Individual kits

Bundle options

Subscription service 2 days

$169.00

myLAB Box Individual kits

Bundle options

Comprehensive bundle options for couple&#;s testing 2-5 days

$199.00

STDcheck.com Individual kits

Bundle options

Same-day lab testing 1-2 days

$24.00

Bottom Line

An at-home STD test not only saves you the trip to the doctor&#;s but also means you can get quicker (and often cheaper) testing in the comfort of your own home.

Our top choice is LetsGetChecked, because it offers a detailed report, fast results, and free one-to-one support.

If you&#;re looking for the best STD kits overall, check out our top 5 picks for discreet and budget-friendly screening.

FAQs

How much is a syphilis at-home test?

That varies depending on whether you choose an individual kit or a bundle option. Typically, individual tests for syphilis cost around $49, with the cheapest option being from Everlywell.

Bundle options are a bit more, usually around $100-$200. LetsGetsGetChecked offers a 5-panel STD kit for $149 that screens for syphilis as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of h.Pylori Rapid Test. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

How long do results take for an at-home syphilis test?

Results usually only take a couple of days. Some kits offer results in as little as 24 hours and same-day testing, so you can get your results even sooner. This is typically only for tests that offer in-lab testing and not at-home options, though.

Does insurance cover at-home syphilis testing?

Before purchasing a testing kit, it&#;s advisable to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost. However, in many cases, you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards to make the payment, allowing you to save some money. Additionally, certain kits like Nurx offer the option to accept insurance and handle the billing process directly on your behalf, after you have paid an initial upfront cost.

How long should I wait before taking an at-home syphilis test?

Every STD has an incubation period, so you usually have to wait a few weeks after being exposed to the virus before you get tested. Otherwise, it&#;s unlikely it will be detected in your blood.

For syphilis, you should wait 3-6 weeks after exposure before taking your test. Always check your test first, though, because some kits offer early syphilis screening so you can get tested almost immediately.

5 of the best home syphilis tests and considerations

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here&#;s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Without treatment, it can have serious health implications. Many companies sell at-home testing kits for syphilis and other STIs.

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How do home syphilis tests work?

A person can order a home syphilis test online or buy one from some in-store pharmacies.

Usually, an individual needs to take a blood sample from a finger prick. And more thorough tests, which can identify various STIs, may also need urine or swab samples.

Are at-home syphilis tests effective?

A pharmacist or another healthcare professional may be able to recommend tests that are reliable and accurate.

Traditional tests, where a healthcare professional collects a sample and sends it for testing, are always more accurate than home tests. In part, this is because people who are unfamiliar with collecting samples may do it incorrectly.

One systematic review compared the accuracy of self-collected and clinician-collected samples for STI testing. It found that the samples clinicians collected were more reliable, though these could still yield inaccurate results.

It is worth noting from the outset that no home tests for syphilis have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are the benefits of an at-home syphilis test?

A person may opt for this type of testing due to:

  • Convenience: A person can test on their own schedule from the comfort of home.
  • No unexpected medical bills: For most of these tests, a person pays the whole amount up front.
  • Some tests are panels: This means that the lab tests one sample for several STIs.

However, someone may not want to provide a blood sample with a finger prick, possibly due to a fear of needles or a discomfort about the sight of blood.

Anyone interested in a home test should make sure the company provides access to a healthcare professional who can discuss the results and advise about the next steps.

How much does an at-home syphilis test cost?

The costs vary by brand and whether the test checks for single or multiple infections. Tests in this list that just check for syphilis cost $29&#;78. The panel tests are more expensive.

Some companies allow payments from flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs), and some insurance companies may reimburse customers for the cost. It is worth researching payment options before making a purchase.

How we choose products

Medical News Today does not rank products in any order and does not recommend one product over another. A person should choose the product that best fits their needs.

MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:

  • Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
  • Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
  • Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via , app, or .
  • Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.

At-home syphilis test comparison

The following table compares the above syphilis tests.

EverlywellHealth Labs

LetsGetChecked

STD Check Test Kits

iDNA Syphilis TestWhat does it test for?syphilissyphilis&#; chlamydia
&#; gonorrhea
&#; trichomoniasis
&#; HIV
&#; syphilis
&#; Gardnerella
&#; Mycoplasma
&#; UreaplasmasyphilissyphilisCollection methodblood sampleblood sampleblood and urine sampleblood sampleblood sampleResults timewithin days1&#;3 days2&#;5 days1&#;2 days2&#;7 business daysFollow up adviceyesnoyesyesnoPrice$49from $49from $149from $49$78

A person may prefer to have an STI test at a clinic or a doctor&#;s office. If a person has used an at-home test, they should contact a doctor if the result is positive.

An individual should also contact a doctor if they have any symptoms that may indicate syphilis, regardless of the test result. Another STI or health condition may be causing the symptoms.

Many people with syphilis do not have immediate symptoms. There may be painless sores on the genitals, mouth, anus, or rectum and enlarged lymph nodes around the sores.

Some later symptoms may include:

  • a rash
  • a fever
  • a sore throat
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • hair loss
  • tiredness

Learn more about &#;secondary&#; syphilis here.

Without treatment, syphilis can cause significant damage to the organs and nervous system.

Learn more about syphilis here.

Anyone with concerns about syphilis symptoms or complications should speak with a doctor.

Frequently asked questions about syphilis tests

Below, we answer some common questions about syphilis tests.

How long does it take for syphilis to show up on tests?

Symptoms of syphilis usually occur around 3 weeks after infection, but they may take up to 90 days to appear. Syphilis tests will be able to detect this infection once symptoms appear.

A person should receive testing if they notice any symptoms of syphilis or have had sex with someone with symptoms. Additionally, those who are pregnant, those with HIV and who are sexually active, and males who have sex with males should receive testing even if they do not display symptoms.

How does syphilis affect pregnancy?

A person who is pregnant and has syphilis can pass on the infection to the baby. Syphilis can result in the fetus not developing as it should, stillbirth, premature birth, and death shortly after birth. For those born with syphilis, this infection causes death in 40% of cases.

Infants who contract syphilis from their biological parents may experience developmental delays and seizures, and this infection can cause death.

However, doctors can treat those who are pregnant and have syphilis with penicillin, which is effective in 98% of cases. Those who are allergic to penicillin should discuss desensitization with their medical team.

Can you have syphilis and test negative?

It is possible to receive a false negative from a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test, one of the most common types of blood tests that screen for syphilis.

False negatives are most common if a person has the early stages of syphilis. Those who have HIV and untreated late stage syphilis are also more likely to receive a false negative.

Can you not have syphilis and test positive?

Around 1&#;2% of people in the United States receive a false positive from an RPR test.

Factors that can increase the chances of a false positive include intravenous drug use or having certain conditions, such as HIV, hepatitis B infection, or an autoimmune condition.

However, doctors will perform another test alongside RPR testing to reduce the likelihood of a false positive.

Summary

Various home syphilis testing kits are available and rely on a blood sample from a finger prick. Manufacturers of these tests claim that they feature high levels of accuracy.

A person should contact a doctor if they receive a positive result from a home test. Healthcare professionals can also provide testing.

Want more information on Rapid h.Pylori Test? Feel free to contact us.

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