Treponemal point-of-care tests for syphilis

Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for syphilis have the potential to improve screening uptake and reduce barriers to care. Traditional screening methods for syphilis involve serologic laboratory testing, which can lead to delays in treatment due to lengthy test turnaround times. POCTs, on the other hand, provide results in minutes and can be performed in various settings, including clinical laboratories and outreach programs. Trained individuals, including lay testers, can administer these tests following standard infection control measures. The first POCT licensed in Canada detects treponemal antibodies, similar to traditional laboratory testing algorithms. However, it is important to note that POCTs cannot distinguish between active and prior syphilis infections, and clinical assessment is required to interpret results and determine appropriate treatment regimens. While POCTs cannot replace standard laboratory tests, they can be optimized by linking testing with clinical and laboratory services. Overall, POCTs have the potential to improve screening rates and access to care for syphilis.