The current syphilis testing algorithm requires at least two antibody-based tests, which are based on decades-old technology.

For screening, the current point-of-care tests cannot distinguish from a previous and successfully treated case of syphilis, so their application may be limited in some communities.

As congenital syphilis cases soar in the United States, some states are turning to rapid, point-of-care tests to catch infections early.

This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the way for putting the first at-home, over-the-counter test to detect syphilis antibodies in human blood. Test-kits for syphilis for the ...

The nation’s largest coalition of obstetricians issued an urgent warning Thursday calling on doctors to expand testing for syphilis during pregnancy amid a surge of cases in recent years.

Tests for syphilis, above, generally involve detecting antibodies in blood samples. Testing is usually available through health care providers and local health departments.

Confirming a syphilis diagnosis usually takes two positive tests, but the C.D.C. is recommending that providers treat women who may not return after a single positive result.