What Is Syphilis?
9. Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely want to perform a brief physical exam to look for sores and other indicators of syphilis. They will also likely want to ask about your medical history, and ask questions about your lifestyle. Tests will need to be performed to help confirm the diagnosis, however.
Blood samples can be taken so the blood can be studied to look for signs of the antibodies that fight the bacterium that causes the disease. A spinal tap procedure may also be performed, which involves taking a sample of fluids from the spine. A spinal tap is carried out of it is suspect that the patient has developed problems with their nervous system.
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