A swab test that checks a visible sore for the bacteria that cause Syphilis, for people who currently have a chancre rather than a general screening need.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
A chancre is a skin sore that can appear in the weeks after a Syphilis infection. This swab test looks for the bacteria directly in a sample taken from that sore, rather than looking for antibodies in blood as Better2Know's other syphilis tests do. It is intended for people who currently have a chancre; Better2Know's blood-based tests are the alternative if you do not.
This is the most expensive test in Better2Know's syphilis range by some margin, well above the £95 home kit, the £130 TPPA test, the £145 clinic Syphilis Test and the £175 VDRL test, and also above the £185 Instant Syphilis Test. Its turnaround of around five days is slower than the one-day turnaround quoted for the other tests in the range, which together explain its low value for money score.
Collection convenience still scores reasonably, since a clinic appointment is described as quick and straightforward, but results and follow-up scores modestly because results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.
This suits people who currently have a visible chancre and want it tested directly, rather than someone testing as a general precaution. If you do not have a chancre, a blood-based option such as Better2Know's own £95 home kit or £145 clinic Syphilis Test, or Medichecks' £59 blood test, would be the more relevant and considerably cheaper choice. See a GP or clinician promptly if you have a new sore.
A clinician swabs the affected area at a clinic appointment, which Better2Know describes as taking around ten to fifteen minutes, and sends the sample to the lab. Results are typically available within about five days, uploaded to your secure online Patient Area with an email or SMS alert. Results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.
At £250, this clinic swab is the most expensive of Better2Know's six syphilis tests, and is intended specifically for testing a visible chancre rather than general screening. It takes about five days for results, longer than Better2Know's other syphilis tests, and there is no doctor review as standard.
The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
A single-marker test measuring exactly what it sets out to; depth is not the point of this comparison group.
A swab sample taken at a clinic; results in around 5 days, slower than similar tests.
Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.
£250.00 against a comparison-group median of £145.00 (+72%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
This test belongs to our Syphilis test comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.
Cheapest syphilis antibody test in its comparison group
A single-marker blood test checking for IgG and IgM antibodies to syphilis, used to indicate a current or past infection. Suited to anyone without symptoms who wants a private check, alongside a sexual health clinic visit if symptoms are present.
Cheapest of Better2Know's syphilis tests
A finger-prick blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who want to test for the infection without visiting a clinic.
Clinic syphilis test priced at the group median
A clinic-based blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who prefer a professional blood draw over a home finger-prick kit.
Confirmatory syphilis test at a mid-range price
A confirmatory blood test for syphilis, usually done after a positive screening result to help work out whether the infection is current or from the past. Suited to people who need to clarify an earlier syphilis test result.
Middle-of-the-range syphilis test in Better2Know's lineup
This blood test checks for syphilis using the VDRL method, which looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to the infection. It suits people who want a laboratory blood test via a clinic or nurse visit.
Fast finger-prick result, priced above most alternatives
A rapid finger-prick test for syphilis antibodies, taken and read at a Better2Know clinic. Suited to anyone who wants a result during the same visit rather than waiting for lab-based results.
Cheapest syphilis antibody test in its comparison group
A single-marker blood test checking for IgG and IgM antibodies to syphilis, used to indicate a current or past infection. Suited to anyone without symptoms who wants a private check, alongside a sexual health clinic visit if symptoms are present.
Cheapest of Better2Know's syphilis tests
A finger-prick blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who want to test for the infection without visiting a clinic.
Clinic syphilis test priced at the group median
A clinic-based blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who prefer a professional blood draw over a home finger-prick kit.
Confirmatory syphilis test at a mid-range price
A confirmatory blood test for syphilis, usually done after a positive screening result to help work out whether the infection is current or from the past. Suited to people who need to clarify an earlier syphilis test result.
