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.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
The TPPA test looks for antibodies to the bacteria that causes syphilis, and is generally used after an initial screening test comes back positive, to help establish whether the infection is currently active or a past infection that has already been treated. It requires a venous blood sample taken at a Better2Know clinic.
Within the six tests in Better2Know's syphilis comparison group, prices range from £59 for a Medichecks antibody test to £250 for Better2Know's own swab test, with a group median of £145; at £130, this one sits just below that median. Bear in mind the group mixes initial screening tests with this confirmatory one, so the cheaper options are not necessarily doing the same job.
The clinical depth score reflects that this is a single-marker, purpose-built test rather than a broad panel, since depth is not really the point of a confirmatory test like this. It scores well for clarity, since the listing sets out the sample type, collection and turnaround clearly, but scores lower for results and follow-up, as results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
This is aimed at people who have already had a positive result from an initial syphilis screening test and need a confirmatory test to establish whether the infection is current. It is not designed as a first-line screening test; if you have not been tested before and simply want a general syphilis check, Better2Know's own £95 home test kit or Medichecks' £59 antibody test cover that at a lower price. Speak to a GP or sexual health clinic if you have symptoms or are unsure which test you need.
A clinician takes a blood sample from your arm at a Better2Know clinic and sends it to the lab for analysis, with results typically ready within 2 working days. Results are uploaded to your secure online Patient Area, and you are told by email or SMS when they are ready. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard; if you test positive, Better2Know says a doctor will help you get treatment and will ask about any previous infections, since syphilis can recur.
This TPPA test is typically used after a positive syphilis screening result, to help establish whether the infection is active or a past one. At £130, it costs 10% less than the £145 median across the six syphilis tests we compare it with, though Medichecks offers a similar antibody test for £59. Results are not reviewed by a doctor 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.
Requires a venous draw at a clinic; results in around 2 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.
Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
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£130.00 against a comparison-group median of £145.00 (-10%).
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.
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.
Priciest syphilis test here, for chancre swabs only
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.
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.
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.
