[Question #7178] Accuracy of syphilis test years after possible exposure

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61 months ago
Hi, just wondering how conclusive blood tests are for syphilis many years after potential exposure. I have no real reason to consider myself at risk but myself and my boyfriend never tested before entering a relationship. I was tested twice before I had each of my children, which would have been 8+ years after we met. My boyfriend used to donate blood so it would've been tested I assume each time (maybe 5 times). Can I consider the results of these tests conclusive considering they would've been conducted many years after exposure? I was reading about possible false negatives in the late stage. Could congenital syphilis ever go undetected?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
61 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  You can be confident of the results.  Syphilis is a relatively rare disease and the blood tests for detection of current or past syphilis are quite accurate.  in fact, falsely positive results are much more of a problem than falsely negative results.  Be confident of your results.  EWH
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61 months ago
Thank you Dr for your quick response. So I can assume an EIA test at the beginning of each pregnancy is confirmation that I've never been infected with syphilis at any stage in my life?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
61 months ago
Yes, the EIA tests in use are quite sensitive.  You should believe the test results.  EWH ---