Syphilis Test

Syphilis cases have surged across the U.S. in recent years, and most people in early stages have no symptoms at all. Left untreated, it can cause serious, permanent damage to the heart, brain, and nervous system. Testing is a simple blood draw — no exam, no undressing — and results are ready in 1–2 business days.

Blood draw only

Results in 1–2 days

99.8% accurate

100% confidential

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How it works

Order online

Select your test and find a lab near you. No appointment needed at most locations.

Visit a local lab

Over 4,500 locations nationwide. The visit takes about 5 minutes.

No exam · No undressing

Provide a blood sample

A technician draws a small blood sample — the same routine draw used for any standard lab test. Quick and straightforward.

Standard blood draw

Get your results

Secure, private results delivered to your email in 1–2 business days.

If positive — doctor consult included

Test Type

Blood Draw

Standard venipuncture sample

Results In

1–2 Days

Delivered to your email

Accuracy

99.8%

FDA-cleared test

Privacy

100%

Discreet billing & results

Why get tested for syphilis?

Most people have no idea they're infected

Syphilis progresses through stages, and the early ones are easy to miss. The primary stage produces a painless sore that often goes unnoticed. Without a blood test, you can carry and transmit the infection without ever knowing.

Cases are at a 70-year high in the U.S.

The CDC reported over 207,000 syphilis cases in 2022 — the highest number recorded since 1950. Rates are rising across all demographics, not just specific populations. If you're sexually active, your risk is real regardless of who you sleep with.

Untreated syphilis causes permanent damage

Without treatment, late-stage syphilis can damage the heart, brain, eyes, and nervous system. These complications can be life-altering and, in some cases, fatal. Catching it early means a simple course of antibiotics clears the infection completely.

It significantly increases HIV transmission risk

Syphilis sores create open entry points that make it much easier to contract or transmit HIV. The CDC notes that syphilis infection can increase HIV transmission risk by two to five times. Getting tested for syphilis is a core part of protecting your overall sexual health.

What to expect

Before your visit

No prep required

You don't need to fast or avoid anything before a syphilis blood test. Just bring a valid ID to the lab.

At the lab

Quick blood draw — about 5 minutes

A lab technician collects a small sample of blood from your arm. There's no pelvic exam, no swab, and no undressing.

Your results

Private email in 1–2 days

Results are delivered securely to your email. If your result is positive, a physician consultation is included at no extra cost.

Know your status — get tested today

Same-day testing at 4,500+ locations. No appointment needed. Results in 1–2 days.

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Common questions

Syphilis is diagnosed through a blood test. The test looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to the bacteria Treponema pallidum. A small blood sample is drawn at the lab — the entire visit takes about five minutes.

Most syphilis blood tests can reliably detect infection about 3–6 weeks after exposure, though the window period can extend to 90 days in some cases. If you test early and get a negative result, retesting at 90 days after potential exposure gives you the most definitive answer.

The primary stage of syphilis produces a painless, firm, round sore called a chancre. It typically appears at the site of infection — genitals, anus, lips, or mouth — and heals on its own within 3–6 weeks. Because it's painless and can be hidden inside the body, many people never notice it.

Yes. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, most commonly a single injection of penicillin G benzathine for early-stage infection. Later stages may require additional doses. Treatment clears the active infection, but any organ damage that occurred before treatment cannot be reversed.

The CDC recommends annual syphilis testing for sexually active gay and bisexual men, people living with HIV, and anyone who has had unprotected sex with new or multiple partners. Pregnant women should be tested at their first prenatal visit. If you've had any potential exposure, testing is the only way to know your status.