Convenient Tests for the Confirmation of Syphilis Infection

Amidst the increasing incidence of syphilis in the UK Oxoid Limited offers clinical laboratories convenient tools for the reliable diagnosis of syphilis infection.

According to the Health Protection Agency, the number of sexually transmitted infections in the UK has continued to increase, rising by 3% from 2004 to 2005. The biggest increase was seen in the number of new cases of syphilis, which rose by 23% to 2807 cases in 2005.

Faced with these difficulties, laboratories require accurate and reliable methods that are easily accessible and cost effective. Oxoid Limited provides such tests for use in the diagnosis of syphilis infection.

The Oxoid VDRL Carbon Antigen Test (DR525M) is a rapid agglutination test that detects reagin antibodies (found in active disease) in serum or plasma in just 8 minutes. The Oxoid TPHA Test (DR0530M) is a sensitive passive haemagglutination test, that detects specific Treponema pallidum antibodies in serum within one hour. Used in combination, the Oxoid VDRL and TPHA Tests provide accurate and reliable confirmation of active syphilis infection. No specialised equipment is required and results are clearly visible and easily interpreted.