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Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). There are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.

Diagnostic Immunology tests for evidence of infection by Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis, using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test. The section uses the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination (TP-PA) assay as the confirmatory test for syphilis on all new RPR positives. Patients who test positive by TP-PA once will continue to test positive for life, regardless of infection status. Patients with who previously tested positive by TP-PA will only be tested by RPR in subsequent incidences.

Forms and Instructions

Refer to our FORMS page for test request submission forms.

Resource Links

CDC - Syphilis
DHHR's Division of STD, HIV, & Hepatitis - Syphilis

Contact Information

Phone: 304-558-3530 extension 20122
Fax: 304-558-6210