Ranking Criteria Explained
The ranking system applied in this guide is based upon a multitude of qualifying criteria that help us identify the best syphilis testing solutions on the market at any given point.
The most important criteria are, of course, the diversity of syphilis testing solution, their overall quality, and their accuracy. Company reputation is also an important factor since you can’t stay in this business very long unless you provide top-quality services. Next, we pay attention to the processing facilities and look for lab certifications and implemented processing technologies. Finally, we go over the team behind the company and gauge the overall competency of the staff. All these factors are checked in order to allow us to determine the overall quality and reliability of the tests and the trustworthiness of their providers.
We are also interested in turnaround times since nobody likes to wait for their STD testing results more than they have to and we‘ll take into consideration overall client experience. This includes the testing procedures, the competency of the support staff, and the company’s privacy policy. Lastly, we check the prices and measure them against the value provided. Only after a specific testing solution has met all of the criteria mentioned above, it can secure its spot on our list of the best syphilis tests of 2019.
Our Top Picks
Our list of recommended STD testing options comprises of providers that received the highest scores throughout our ranking process. Read the following mini-reviews to learn more about our top picks and their testing options.
STDcheck
STDCheck is currently the best STD testing provider according to our ranking criteria. The company holds an A+ BBB certification and has been constantly developing its testing solutions for the past 7 years.
When it comes to syphilis testing, the company offers the so-called Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) syphilis test, which identifies the disease by detecting the antibodies created by your immune system. The test is FDA-approved and has a 95% sensitivity and 91% specificity rate. The results are usually ready within 1-2 days and the price of the test is 79.00$.
STDCheck also offers its full screening panel for 10 STDs (198.00$), which can be upgraded with HIV RNA Early Detection test (349.00$).
myLAB Box
MyLAB Box is a direct-to-customer STD testing provider licensed to operate in all 50 states. The company was launched in 2013 in Los Angeles, California, and is focused on allowing its clients to take full control of their health in a convenient and affordable manner.
When it comes to syphilis, MyLAB Box offers 4 different testing solutions: Syphilis test (79.00$); Uber Box – 8 Panel Home STD Test Back (269.00$) that covers HIV 1 and 2, herpes simplex type 2, hepatitis C, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trich; Total Box – 14 Panel STD Test Back (369.00$) that screens for HIV 1 and 2, herpes simplex type 2, hepatitis C, chlamydia (throat, genital, rectal), syphilis, gonorrhea (throat, genital, rectal), mycoplasma genitalium, and trich, with an optional 30$ HPV add-on; Love Box (499.00$) – 8-panel test kit that is designed for couples and includes screening for HIV 1 and 2, herpes simplex type 2, hepatitis C, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trich.
Personalabs
Personalabs is a veritable hub for personal health if you want to have full control over your own well-being without going through doctors or insurance companies. It was founded back in 2006 and it allows its users to take a more proactive approach toward a healthier lifestyle.
The company offers an impressive number of different testing solutions that can help you detect a potential syphilis infection. These include Syphilis Blood Test (46.00$), Treponema pallidum Antibodies FTA-ABS Blood Test (69.00$), Talent Blood Test (357.00$), STD Mini Panel (190.00$) that also covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, and contains a complete urinalysis, 11 Panel STD Blood Test (463.00$), Comprehensive STD Blood Test (471.00$), Comprehensive Male Sexual Health and Wellness Blood Test (863.00$), Comprehensive Recent Exposure STD Test (618.00$), Comprehensive Female Sexual Health and Wellness Blood Test (1049.00$), Prenatal Blood Panel Comprehensive Blood Test (361.00$), and Prenatal Blood Test Basic (284.00$).
STD Testing 24/7
STD Testing 24/7 is a renowned STD testing provider founded by PHAS Group LLC back in 2014. One of its main advantages over the competition lies in the fact that its services are available 24/7, as indicated by the company’s name.
As far as syphilis testing goes, the company offers a specific testing solution for 69.95$. Its doctors have opted for the already mentioned Rapid Plasma Reagin test (RPR) followed by the treponemal pallidum test in case the first instance yields positive results.
Alternatively, you can order its 8 test panel for 199.95$. The panel includes testing solutions for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes 1 and 2, syphilis and HIV (antibody test).
Any Lab Test Now
Any Lab Test Now is an STD testing provider based on the franchising model. It was founded on September 20, 2007, after Any Tests Franchising Inc. acquired the rights to franchise the concept. The franchise currently has more than 160 independently owned and operated stores all over the US.
The company offers a specific testing solution designed to detect the presence of antibodies created to combat Treponema pallidum and it will definitely tell you whether you have the infection or not. The price of the test is 49.00$ and the final report is usually generated within 24-72 business hours after your biological specimen is collected.
If you also suspect potential exposure to other STDs or test positive for syphilis, you can order the company’s Comprehensive STD Panel (229.00$), which covers HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. Note that the price may vary by location, so you should definitely try to contact your local Any Lab Test Now store and determine the exact figure in advance.
PlushCare
PlushCare is a private online health clinic focused on urgent care and internal medicine with the possibility of online doctor’s visits. The company was founded in 2014 in San Francisco, CA, and has managed to reach a pretty renowned status thanks to its affordable pricing and high-quality service.
The company offers syphilis screening at a price of 45.00$, which is beyond budget-friendly. If you suspect exposure to any other STDs or if you test positive for syphilis, you can order its entire testing portfolio for just 199.00$. This includes tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, herpes 1 and 2, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and of course, syphilis. The sample collection procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes and your final results should arrive within 3 work days or less. Once your report is generated, it will be sent directly to your email address.
EverlyWell
EverlyWell is a private company focused on health, wellness, preventive medicine, and digital health. It follows the traditional at-home testing model and provides its users with a wide range of testing solutions, including its comprehensive STD panels.
If you suspect recent exposure to syphilis and want to go with EverlyWell, you have one testing option at your disposal, which depends on your gender. In other words, the company offers STD testing panels for males and females. The price of each panel is 199.00$ and they both cover chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis C, herpes type 2, HIV, and trichomoniasis. The only difference between the two panels lies in the samples required; the male version requires blood and urine whereas the female version requires blood and a vaginal swab. The results are usually generated within 5 business days or less. There is also a stand-alone syphilis test for 69.00$.
Private iDNA
Private iDNA is a direct-to-customer provider of STD testing solutions launched in 2016 in Dallas, Texas. The company is famous for its affordable testing bundles, which provide its clients with accurate and reliable testing results for the most frequent STDs in the US.
The company offers a standalone syphilis test (68.00$), as well as two convenient testing panels. These include the Complete Kit (198.00$), which also covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes 2, HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis, and the Comprehensive Bundle (298.00$), which also includes tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV-1 and 2, herpes 2, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, HPV, and trich.
Conclusion
The most important thing about syphilis is discovering it in its early stages and getting proper treatment. The infection undergoes 3 distinct stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Primary or early syphilis will manifest with one or more small and painless ulcers. They usually occur between 10 and 90 days after the initial exposure and can be found in or around the mouth and genitals. Even if no treatment is provided, the ulcers will heal without any scars within 6 weeks.
The secondary stage can last between 1 and 3 months and usually begins within 6 weeks to 6 months after the initial exposure. The most common symptom exhibited in this stage is a rosy “copper penny” rash usually located on the palms and soles of the feet. However, different rashes may occur on other body parts and can resemble rashes specific to other diseases. Infected individuals can also exhibit moist warts in the groin, swollen lymph glands, white patches in or around the mouth, weight loss, and fever. Secondary syphilis will also eventually resolve without treatment.
Latent syphilis is not a separate stage of the infection; it’s just a period when the infection is inactive (dormant) without causing any symptoms. If the infection is left untreated, it will progress to tertiary syphilis, which can cause severe problems with your nerves, brain, and heart. These can cause blindness, deafness, dementia, paralysis, impotence, and eventually even death.
The most insidious part of this infection is the fact that it can be passed on from a pregnant woman to her child. Depending on the length of the mother’s infection, the baby may be stillborn or die shortly after birth. If the baby survives, he or she can go without exhibiting any symptoms for weeks after being born. Untreated babies have a good chance of becoming developmentally delayed, having seizures or dying.
Syphilis is diagnosed easily with a very quick and affordable blood test. If you’ve been infected for less than a year, all you need to completely destroy it is a single dose of penicillin. If you’re allergic to penicillin, there are many available antibiotics that can be given instead. Later stages of the disease will require additional doses.
We hope our guide to the best syphilis tests of 2019 has managed to convey the importance of discovering this infection in its early stages and receiving proper and timely treatment. All of the companies listed take user privacy very seriously and no one will ever know you tested for an STD. Therefore, if you suspect recent exposure to this extremely contagious disease, find a company that suits you best and take full control of your sexual health today!