Syphilis Tests

Microhemagglutination assay (MHA-TP), (Syphilis Test), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test, (Syphilis Test), Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test, (Syphilis Test)

How It Feels

Sore or skin sample

You may have some discomfort when fluid is collected from an open sore (chancre), but chancres usually are not very tender or painful.

Blood sample

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Spinal fluid sample

You may have some discomfort during a lumbar puncture to collect spinal fluid for syphilis testing. For more information, see the medical test Lumbar Puncture.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: October 2, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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