Syphilis test

Blood tests

Request a syphilis test online. Speak to an Australian-registered doctor by telehealth, 24/7. It's confidential, and you can do it from anywhere.

Relevant Services:

How our doctors support syphilis testing

What we offer:

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There are plenty of reasons to get a syphilis blood test: a new partner, a routine sexual health check, symptoms you want looked at, or a notification from a previous partner. Whatever prompts it, our doctors can assess your situation through a telehealth consultation and, where appropriate, issue a blood test request you can take to a collection centre near you.

Our doctors can help with every step of a syphilis test, including:

How to get a syphilis test online

telehealth-consult

1.

Request a consultation

Complete a short questionnaire about your symptoms and sexual health history, then request a telehealth consultation. Our doctors are available 24/7, every day of the week, including public holidays.

a doctor will call you

2.

Speak with a doctor

An Australian-registered doctor will call you to discuss your situation. They'll ask about any symptoms, possible exposure and whether other STI testing may be worthwhile, then decide if a syphilis test is right for you.

receive your script

3.

Receive your blood test request

If appropriate, the doctor will issue your blood test request electronically. Take it to any pathology collection centre at a time that suits you.

Getting a syphilis test is simple with InstantScripts

What's included:

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Requesting a syphilis test online means you can skip the waiting room entirely. Your consultation happens over the phone with an Australian-registered doctor, so you can talk through your concerns privately from home. If the doctor recommends testing, your blood test request is sent to you digitally. From there, you simply visit a local collection centre at a time that suits you. No paperwork to carry around and no awkward conversations at reception.

  • Doctor consultation. A private phone consultation with an Australian-registered doctor who will listen to your concerns and assess whether a syphilis blood test is right for you.
  • Pathology request. If testing is appropriate, the doctor sends your request digitally, ready to take to a collection centre near you.
  • Results review. Once your results come back, a doctor reviews them and contacts you to explain what they mean and discuss any next steps.
  • Referrals if required. Should your results need further attention, the doctor can arrange treatment or a referral to an appropriate specialist.

What is a syphilis test?

A syphilis test is a blood test that checks for antibodies to Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces when it detects an infection, so their presence in your blood indicates current or past exposure. The sample is collected through a standard blood draw at a pathology centre, and results show whether further testing or treatment is needed. A referral from a doctor is usually required, which is where our online blood test requests can help.

Can I get a syphilis test online?

Yes. While the blood sample itself needs to be collected in person, the referral can be arranged online. An InstantScripts doctor can review your request and issue a pathology referral without you needing to visit a clinic first. You then take the referral to a participating pathology centre near you, where a trained collector takes the sample. It's a simple way to start the process from home.

What does the test check for?

The test looks for antibodies your body produces in response to the syphilis bacteria. Depending on the type of test, results can indicate whether you have a current infection or have had one in the past. Because syphilis often causes no obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages, a blood test is the most reliable way to know your status.

How do you test for syphilis?

Testing involves a standard blood draw, the same as most routine blood tests. Once you have a referral, you visit a pathology centre where a small sample is taken from your arm. The sample is analysed in a laboratory and the results are sent back to the referring doctor. If your result needs follow-up, you can speak with a doctor by phone to discuss next steps.

How much does a syphilis test cost?

InstantScripts charges a fee for the doctor's review and pathology referral, which you can find on our pricing page. The pathology test itself is bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders at participating collection centres, so in most cases there's no extra cost for the blood draw and laboratory analysis.

Do I need my Individual Healthcare Identifier?

You may be asked for your Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) when setting up your account. This is a 16-digit number assigned to everyone enrolled in Medicare, and it helps healthcare providers correctly match your records. You can find your IHI through your Medicare online account or the myGov website. If you're unsure, our frequently asked questions explain how to locate it.

How long do results take?

Most syphilis blood test results are available within a few business days of your sample being collected, though timing can vary between laboratories. Once your results are ready, a doctor reviews them and you'll be contacted to discuss the outcome. If treatment is needed, the doctor will talk you through your options and arrange any prescriptions or referrals.

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Testing is recommended if you've had unprotected sex, a partner has tested positive, or you have symptoms such as a painless sore or rash. Regular screening is also advised for anyone with new or multiple partners, and it's often sensible to check for other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia at the same time. Pregnant women are routinely screened as part of antenatal care.

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