Everlywell Syphilis Test Details
Syphilis is a common, curable STD that can affect any sexually active individual during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread to an unborn baby from an infected mother. The infection progresses in stages, each with its signs and symptoms. These stages are primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Ideally, you want to diagnose syphilis during the primary stage, when you may notice one or multiple sores in the location where syphilis entered the body. Treatment will prevent the infection from progressing, leading to more complicated health issues.
If syphilis is left untreated, it will develop into the secondary stage, which would bring on skin rashes and/or sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus. You may also develop fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and more. Eventually, symptoms will subside whether you receive treatment or not, but if you allow it to progress, it may develop into tertiary. When left to develop to this stage, it can negatively affect organs throughout the body, such as the heart and blood vessels, brain and nervous system (neurosyphilis), and more, eventually resulting in death. This stage is usually not reached until 10 – 30 years after initial infection.
The Everlywell syphilis test specifically screens for antibodies generated naturally by the body’s immune system in response to the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Shipping is pre-paid both ways, and the test is delivered in discreet packaging, with results sent directly to your phone or computer from the secure Everlywell platform.
Taking the syphilis test requires a simple blood sample from a small finger prick, so the test is easy and virtually pain-free. Each test includes detailed directions to help guide you, and you’ll also receive access to a customer care team along the way to help with any questions you may have.
Results are easy to understand, and you are provided additional resources and helpful tips throughout the process. If your results are abnormal, you can connect with the Everlywell physician network at no additional cost to discuss the next steps. Your results are also shared in a printable format if you decide to take them to your primary care physician.
Everlywell only uses CLIA-certified labs, meaning they meet high standards in order to obtain both state and federal certifications and are subject to regular inspections.
What the Everlywell Syphilis Test Measures and How it Works
The Everlywell syphilis test is specifically screening for the presence of antibodies to the bacteria responsible for causing syphilis, Treponema pallidum. Because this test does not differentiate whether you have an active infection or carry antibodies due to past infection, an abnormal or “positive” result will require further discussion to determine the next steps. If you have previously been diagnosed and treated for syphilis, the Everlywell test is not recommended for use as it cannot be used to monitor treatment or active infection.
For reliable results, testing should be performed weeks after possible exposure due to unprotected sex. In reality, it can take up to 12 weeks from exposure for blood tests to show the presence of the infection, especially when considering the Everlywell test looks specifically for antibodies.
When you decide to order your at-home syphilis test, you do so online, and it will be shipped directly to you in discreet packaging. You must then register your test online with your unique ID and follow the instructions to collect your sample. Once collected, you will place it into the provided biohazard bag, place it in the box, put the box in the included shipping bag, apply the prepaid label, and ship it back to the lab for testing. After analysis, you will be notified when the results are ready. If results return abnormal, you can discuss the next steps with Everlywell’s independent physician network. You can also bring your results to your physician for further testing and treatment options.
When used correctly, the Everlywell syphilis test is over 99% accurate.
What’s Included with Each Everlywell Syphilis Test
- Gauze
- Alcohol pad
- Bandage
- Three lancets for blood draw sample
- Blood sample collection card
- Biohazard bag
- Prepaid return shipping label
Why Choose the Everlywell Syphilis Test?
- The Everlywell syphilis test is a treponemal test to detect the presence or absence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the bacteria.
- All Everlywell tests are physician-reviewed and approved by an independent, board-certified physician within your state.
- All labs working with Everlywell are CLIA-certified, indicating they meet the high standards required to obtain state and federal certifications and are submitted to regular inspections.
- Everlywell is a HIPAA-compliant company using state-of-the-art, bank-grade encryption to ensure data is securely stored and your data is never sold
- Results are easy to understand, and you are provided with guidance toward next steps to achieve health and wellness
- Shipping is free
- The Everlywell syphilis test is available as a one-time purchase or via discounted subscription shipped monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually
Everlywell accepts FSA/HSA for the syphilis test