Question 1

What is Congenital Syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that occurs when a pregnant woman passes the syphilis bacteria (Treponema pallidum) to her unborn child during pregnancy or delivery. It is caused by untreated or inadequately treated maternal syphilis infection with Treponema pallidum bacteria. The RPR (Diagnosis) with Reflex to Titer and Treponema pallidum Antibody test is the most important test for detecting maternal syphilis and preventing transmission to the baby.

Question 2

What causes congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Congenital syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum being transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. When a mother has untreated or inadequately treated syphilis during pregnancy, the bacteria can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus at any stage of pregnancy. Without proper antibiotic treatment, the risk of transmission to the baby is extremely high, with up to 80% of infected mothers passing the infection to their unborn children.

Question 3

What is the best test for congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

The RPR (Diagnosis) with Reflex to Titer and Treponema pallidum Antibody test is the most important test for detecting maternal syphilis and preventing congenital syphilis because it combines screening and confirmatory testing in one comprehensive panel. This test first performs the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) screening to detect active infection, then automatically reflexes to titer levels and specific Treponema pallidum antibody testing if positive. The Syphilis Antibody Cascading Reflex is another essential test that provides thorough evaluation of infection status by confirming both current and past exposure to the bacteria, helping doctors determine the best treatment approach to protect the baby.

Question 4

When should I get tested for congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as routine syphilis screening is a critical part of prenatal care. Testing is especially important if you have a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or a partner diagnosed with syphilis. Women at higher risk should be tested early in pregnancy, during the third trimester, and at delivery to catch any infections that might have been acquired during pregnancy. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely antibiotic treatment that can prevent transmission to the baby and avoid serious complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Babies born with congenital syphilis may show no symptoms at birth or develop serious complications within weeks. Early signs include skin rashes or sores around the mouth and genital area, fever, swollen liver and spleen, low birth weight, and failure to thrive. Later symptoms can include bone deformities, developmental delays, seizures, hearing loss, vision problems, and distinctive facial features like saddle nose deformity. Some infected babies appear healthy at birth but develop problems weeks or months later if the infection goes undetected and untreated.

Question 6

Who is at risk for congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Babies born to mothers who have untreated syphilis during pregnancy are at highest risk for congenital syphilis. Pregnant women at increased risk include those with limited prenatal care, multiple sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted infections, substance use, or living in areas with high syphilis rates. Women who acquire syphilis during pregnancy or have inadequate treatment are also at significant risk of transmitting the infection to their babies. Any pregnant woman who has not been screened for syphilis or whose partner has been diagnosed with syphilis should be considered at risk.

Question 7

What happens if congenital syphilis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated congenital syphilis can cause devastating and potentially fatal complications for the baby. It can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death in up to 40% of cases. Surviving infants may develop severe problems including bone deformities, blindness, deafness, neurological damage, intellectual disabilities, and organ damage affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Many of these complications are permanent and require lifelong medical care. Early detection and treatment of maternal syphilis during pregnancy can prevent nearly all cases of congenital syphilis.

Question 8

Can congenital syphilis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, congenital syphilis risk is diagnosed by testing the mother's blood during pregnancy for syphilis infection. The RPR test and Treponema pallidum antibody tests detect whether a pregnant woman has syphilis, which indicates the baby is at risk for congenital infection. Newborns born to infected mothers also receive blood tests to determine if they have acquired the infection. Testing the mother's blood during prenatal care is the most effective way to identify risk and prevent transmission through timely treatment with antibiotics.

Question 9

How is congenital syphilis treated?

Accepted Answer

Congenital syphilis is treated with penicillin antibiotics, which are safe and effective during pregnancy. When syphilis is detected in a pregnant woman, she receives penicillin injections that treat her infection and prevent transmission to the baby if given early enough. Babies born with congenital syphilis require hospitalization and receive intravenous penicillin for 10 to 14 days. The earlier maternal syphilis is detected and treated during pregnancy, the better the outcomes for the baby. Treatment within the first and second trimesters can prevent most cases of congenital syphilis.

Question 10

How can I prevent congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent congenital syphilis by getting tested for syphilis early in pregnancy and receiving prompt treatment if infected. Practice safe sex using condoms, maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, and ensure your partner gets tested for sexually transmitted infections. Attend all prenatal care appointments where routine syphilis screening is performed. If you are at higher risk, discuss repeat testing during the third trimester with your healthcare provider. Avoiding risky sexual behaviors and getting immediate treatment for any sexually transmitted infections are key prevention strategies.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support treatment of congenital syphilis?

Accepted Answer

While congenital syphilis requires medical treatment with antibiotics, you can support your baby's recovery by ensuring they complete the full course of prescribed penicillin treatment without missing doses. Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor treatment response and development. Maintain good nutrition and hydration for both mother and baby. Avoid exposing the baby to secondhand smoke or environmental toxins that could further stress their immune system. Most importantly, if you are pregnant and diagnosed with syphilis, strictly follow your treatment plan to protect your baby and prevent transmission.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Congenital Syphilis Blood Test

What is Congenital Syphilis?

What causes congenital syphilis?

What is the best test for congenital syphilis?

When should I get tested for congenital syphilis?

References

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