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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Syphilis Comprehensive Panel Test

A comprehensive test to detect syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Includes multiple antibody tests for accurate diagnosis and staging. Essential for sexual health screening.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
3 mL (1 mL minimum) serum collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 8,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Syphilis Comprehensive Panel Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Screening for sexually transmitted infections.
  • ✓Individuals with symptoms suggestive of syphilis (e.g., sores, rash).
  • ✓Individuals with multiple sexual partners.
  • ✓Pregnant individuals (screening is standard practice).
  • ✓Individuals diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections.
  • ✓Confirmation of reactive screening tests.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to detect the presence of syphilis infection by identifying antibodies produced by the body in response to the *Treponema pallidum* bacterium. It helps in diagnosing syphilis, determining the stage of infection, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.
The Syphilis Comprehensive Panel Test is a vital diagnostic tool for detecting syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*. Early detection is crucial because untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems affecting the nervous system, heart, and other organs. This test is particularly important for sexually active individuals, those with multiple partners, or anyone experiencing potential symptoms.

This panel includes several tests that measure different types of antibodies related to syphilis:

* **VDRL/RPR:** These are non-treponemal tests that detect antibodies produced by the body in response to damage caused by syphilis. They are often used for screening and monitoring treatment response. * **TPHA:** This is a treponemal test that detects antibodies specifically directed against the *Treponema pallidum* bacterium. It helps confirm a syphilis diagnosis. * **FTA-ABS:** This is another specific treponemal test that detects antibodies to the syphilis bacterium, often used to confirm positive results from non-treponemal tests or in cases where syphilis is suspected but other tests are negative.

Taking this test offers significant benefits, including early detection which allows for timely treatment, preventing severe complications and reducing the risk of transmission to others. It provides valuable information for managing sexual health and contributes to broader public health efforts in controlling sexually transmitted infections.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is required for this test.
Sample3 mL (1 mL minimum) serum collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST).
MethodologyThe panel typically employs methods such as Charcoal Flocculation (for VDRL/RPR), Hemagglutination (for TPHA), and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (for FTA-ABS).
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Antibody levels can vary depending on the stage of infection and treatment history. False positives or negatives can occur, although rare with this panel. Results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*. It can cause serious health problems if not treated.
A comprehensive panel uses multiple tests (non-treponemal and treponemal) to increase accuracy in detecting syphilis and help determine the stage of the infection.
This panel is highly accurate, but like all tests, false positives or negatives can occur. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
A positive result indicates the presence of syphilis antibodies. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, potentially order further tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Yes, all laboratory testing is conducted with strict confidentiality, adhering to patient privacy regulations.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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