Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.
The test is looking for evidence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It is easily treated but can cause severe health problems if left untreated.
Hepatitis may be caused by infection, viruses, chemicals, alcohol, drug use and other factors. Chronic hepatitis means ongoing inflammation of the liver, irrespective of the underlying cause.
Hepatitis B virus is spread when blood, semen, vaginal secretions or other body fluids.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. In most cases, it is contracted through exposure to blood, usually from sharing contaminated needles, and it can be passed from mother to baby.
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, causes AIDS by slowly destroying the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. HIV screening tests detect antibodies to the virus which can usually be detected in the blood about 3-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and nearly always after 3 months.
Antibodies to HIV are produced by the body and can usually be detected in the blood about 3-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and nearly always after 3 months.
Your finger prick test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
You do not need to fast for this blood test.