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What test can detect syphilis?

There are multiple types of syphilis tests. They can be grouped into two categories, the tests in each category are used the same way. 

Treponemal: These tests directly detect the bacteria that cause syphilis (the treponema). These tests used to be more expensive and complex but costs have fallen in the past several years.

Nontreponemal: These tests look at antibodies that the body creates in response to the syphilis bacteria. These tests are less accurate than the treponemal tests but used to be much cheaper. They are also used to monitor treatment in patients with severe infections. These tests are not “positive” or “negative” but are reported in terms of titers. The higher the titer, the more antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis are in your system.

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of ACA compliant major medical plans. Coverage and plan options vary and may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure. You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed.

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