Treponemal point-of-care tests for syphilis

Abstract

Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for syphilis can reduce barriers to care Increasing screening uptake is important to reversing the rising rates of syphilis and congenital syph ilis in Canada. 1,2 Conventional screening for syphilis involves serologic laboratory testing. [1][2][3][4] Barriers to accessing screening and delays to treatment created by lengthy test turnaround times may be addressed by POCTs. 3,4 Pointofcare tests may be particularly beneficial in prenatal care settings and in communities with emerging syphilis outbreaks. 3,5 2 Syphilis POCTs can be administered by trained individuals in a variety of settings Pointofcare tests for syphilis that provide results in minutes can be performed in clinical, laboratory, and outreach settings. [3][4][5] Fingerstick specimens can be used; results are read according to the manu facturer's instructions. 3,4 Trained lay testers can conduct POCTs, adhering to standard infection control measures and disposal procedures for biological waste. 3