Initial evaluation for syphilis:
- non‑treponemal test (such as RPR or VDRL) as a screening tool
- positive results confirmed by a treponemal assay (e.g., FTA‑ABS, TP‑PA).
For subsequent testing after treatment, repeated non‑treponemal titers are used to monitor response (a four‑fold decline in titer is considered evidence of effective therapy) since treponemal tests remain positive for life and do not distinguish between treated and active infection
| Step | Test Type | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Testing | Non‑treponemal | Use RPR or VDRL as a screening test; if positive, perform a confirmatory treponemal assay. |
| Confirmation | Treponemal | Tests like FTA‑ABS, TP‑PA, or other treponemal assays confirm the diagnosis. |
| Subsequent (Follow‑up) Testing | Non‑treponemal | Repeat titers are tracked post‑treatment; a 4‑fold decrease in titer indicates treatment success. |
| ? |