We looked at rapid syphilis testing using the Determine Syphilis TP immunoassay. We sought patient views on rapid testing and whether rapid tests would increase screening for syphilis.
We found that most participants indicated a preference for rapid testing over conventional serology. Most also indicated that they would test for syphilis more frequently if rapid syphilis testing was available in a clinic setting. Rapid, or point of care, testing for syphilis has the potential to increase the uptake and frequency of syphilis screening and reduce the number of syphilis infected individuals who do not return for their results.
Publications
Men who have sex with men prefer rapid testing for syphilis and may test more frequently using it
Lee DM, Chen MY, Fairley CK, Cummings R, Bush M and Read T
(2010), Sexually Transmitted Diseases,