Syphilis and Confidante home STI test: screening for 10 infections
Syphilis and Confidante home STI test: screening for 10 infections
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Although spread through sexual contact, it is frequently passed to an unborn child by its infected mother, where it can cause congenital syphilis resulting in high rates of stillbirth and increased risk of infant mortality.
Primary syphilis is when sores appear at the point where the bacteria entered the body. These sores can appear anywhere such as: around the opening of the urethra, penis, foreskin and anus in men; the vulva, clitoris, cervix, urethra and anus in women.
Secondary syphilis occurs when untreated sores have appeared and healed. It is still infectious and maintains its ability to be passed on.Tertiary syphilis is a progression from untreated secondary forms of the infection. Left untreated, after many years, the infection can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, internal organs and nervous system, which can ultimately lead to death.
Important Statistics
Below are some statistics that have been published: about syphilis in recent years.
- In 2017, there were approximately 422,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England, around the same number that was reported in 2016.
- There were 7,137 diagnoses of syphilis reported in 2017, a 20% increase (from 5,955) relative to the year prior and a 148% increase relative to 2008.
- The impact of STIs remains greatest in young heterosexuals 15 to 24 years; black ethnic minorities; and gay, bisexual and other MSM
- The increase in syphilis follows a 10-year trend, with 78% of diagnoses in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
How is the infection passed on?
Syphilis is passed on from one person to another through sex (vaginal, anal and oral) and also by direct skin contact with syphilis sores or rashes. Symptoms do not have to be visible for it to be passed on. It can still be transmitted before sores appear or after they have disappeared. Pregnant women can also pass syphilis onto their unborn baby.
What are the complications?
If syphilis is not treated effectively, it can spread to other parts of the body. This can result in long term complications, such as damage to the heart, brain, eyes and other organs. Ultimately, this damage can even lead to death.
Confidante Test
Confidante avoids any embarrassing examinations, allowing you to take a test in the privacy of your own home. The Confidante test is made to be quick and easy to use, with no technical jargon, making it extremely convenient.
Confidante is now only £40 with free postage and packaging (RRP £85). Your results will be delivered discreetly via post within 7 days and will not appear on your medical record.
If you want to read more about Confidante or buy a kit visit here, or contact a member of our team today.
RCLS – Tackling the Increase of Gonorrhoea and Syphilis
A report published by Public Health England (PHE) reveals that there was 7,137 diagnoses of syphilis reported in 2017, a 20% increase compared to 2016 and 44,676 diagnoses of gonorrhoea reported in 2017, a 22% increase compared to 2016.1
Overall, there were 422,147 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England during 2017.
To help with the increase of STI testing, Randox Clinical Laboratory Services offer a multiplex Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) test kit allowing your clinic, laboratory or GP practice to outsource sample STI testing.
Our STI array is the broadest IVD multiplex array on the market simultaneously detecting 10 infections due to our patented and intelligent Biochip Array Technology which utilises multiplex testing methodology in a rapid and accurate format. These 10 bacterial, viral and protozoan infections consist of:
| · Chlamydia | · Trichomonas Vaginalis |
| · Gonorrhoea | · Mycoplasma Hominis |
| · Syphilis | · Mycoplasma Genitalium |
| · Herpes Simplex 1 | · Ureaplasma Urealyticum |
| · Herpes Simplex 2 | · Chancroid |
The type of sample which should be sent to our Randox Clinical Laboratory Service lab is determined by the visibility of the patient’s symptoms.
Non-visible symptoms – urine sample required
Visible symptoms – swab sample required
The process of sending samples to RCLS is simple and easy to follow. Our project management teams incorporate a wealth of knowledge and are available accordingly, providing support and guidance. This enables support to be available from your initial enquiry through to the shipment of the samples. As a result we are always delivering to your project aims and timelines.
RCLS currently has four state of the art, fully functional ISO12025 accredited laboratories across the UK. They are situated in Liverpool, London and two in Northern Ireland, Hollywood and Randox Science Park in Antrim.
Overall, by utilising Randox Clinical Laboratory Services you can save your laboratory time and money. Due to our multiplex panels we offer a cost effective, labour saving and time reducing solutions for your STI testing. Providing your laboratory with the best solution to outsource your samples.
Contact us at info@rcls.com to find out more information about RCLS and our STI testing service.
Sources
1 – Public Health England
Randox Clinical Laboratory Services: Your STI Outsourcing Solution
Have you heard about our latest offering? Randox Clinical Laboratory Services now offers a multiplex Sexually Transmitted Infection Array testing service allowing your clinic, laboratory or GP practice to outsource sample STI testing.
Our STI array is the broadest multiplex test on the market, simultaneously detecting 10 bacterial, viral and protozoan infections. It consists of the following most common STIs, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex I, Herpes Simplex II, Trichomonas Vaginalis, Mycoplasma Hominis, Mycoplasma Genitalium, Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Chancroid. This simultaneous detection is made possible by our patented and innovative Biochip Array Technology which utilises multiplex testing methodology in a rapid and accurate format.
There are many benefits to outsourcing your STI samples with RCLS, which include:
- CE-marked
- ISO17025 Accredited Laboratories
- Excellent precision, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for STI diagnosis
- Reduced risk of false reporting and a reduced number of unnecessary confirmatory tests
- Smaller sample volumes are required, enabling faster throughput and rapid patient diagnosis
The type of sample which should be sent to our RCLS lab is determined by the visibility of the patient’s symptoms.
Non-visible symptoms – urine sample required.
Visible symptoms – swab sample required.
The process for sending STI samples to Randox Clinical Laboratory Services is simple and easy to follow. Georgia Roberts, our RCLS representative will guide you through the process from your initial enquiry to pricing and shipment of samples.
All RCLS laboratories utilise our world class clinical chemistry analysers, the RX Series, along with our multiplex immunoassay analysers, the Evidence Series. We also perform sample testing on numerous third party analysers situated in our laboratories dependent upon the testing which is required by the customer.
RCLS incorporates multiple laboratories across the United Kingdom including our state-of-the-art facility in Antrim, as well as further laboratories in Belfast, Liverpool and London. RCLS is ever expanding with plans to open another facility in Los Angeles.
Overall, by utilising Randox Clinical Laboratory Services you can save your laboratory time and money. Due to our multiplex panels we offer a cost effective, labour saving and time reducing solutions for your STI testing. Providing your laboratory with the best solution to outsource your samples.
If you would like to find out more information about RCLS and what it has to offer contact info@rcls.com
