If you have symptoms now
If you have any of the following symptoms call 0800 322 226 to talk to a nurse before completing a request:
- sores in your mouth, genital skin or bottom
- body rash
- any other STI symptom.
If you have been in contact with someone with syphilis infection
It is recommended that you have treatment as well as testing. Call 0800 322 226 to speak to a nurse.
This is because it can take up to 3 months before syphilis infection is detectable in a blood test. You might have the infection even if your blood test result is OK.
If you have been in contact with someone with HIV infection
Call 0800 322 226 to speak to a nurse.
This is because it can take up to 3 months before HIV infection is detectable in a blood test. You might have an infection even if your blood test result is OK.
What happens when you send a request
Your request will be sent to PathLab and you can go there to have your blood test after 2 business days.
Results can take up to 2 weeks. You will only be contacted if your test is positive for syphilis or HIV.
Find a PathLab near you (external link)
If you are diagnosed with syphilis or HIV, Waikato Sexual Health will organise treatment for you. Treatment is free and confidential.
Make a request
Who can get a free test
Anyone is eligible for free HIV and syphilis testing through our service.
If you would like a full STI check, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests as well as HIV and syphilis, contact us to see if you are eligible through our service.
What syphilis is
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is you can get through having close sexual contact, including oral sex. Syphilis is a serious infection and can affect your heart, brain and can even cause death if untreated. If you have syphilis while you are pregnant, it can affect your pēpi — up to 40% of babies with congenital syphilis will die.
Symptoms are often invisible, so people do not even know they have it until they have a blood test. Syphilis is easy to identify and easy to treat. Treatment is simple — antibiotics cure syphilis.