Publications & Webinars
Welcome to our Publications & Webinars page, where you can find the most recent studies, webinars, and insights surrounding Syphilis Health Check™ and syphilis. We’ve compiled a collection of resources designed to keep you informed on the latest developments, strategies, and successes in syphilis testing and management.
Literature & Publications
Evaluating the Impact of Implementing and Scaling-Up the Use of Syphilis Rapid/Point-of-Care Tests: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of New Syphilis Positivity Rates in Alberta, Canada
This study found that rolling out syphilis rapid/point-of-care testing (RPOCT) across Alberta, Canada was associated with significant declines in new syphilis positivity rates — 25% in the initial regional phase and 15% province-wide after full scale-up. The results support RPOCT as an effective public health tool for reducing syphilis transmission through same-day testing and treatment.
Published By: Thompson et al., Clinical Infectious Diseases, April 2026
Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections among emergency department patients
In this retrospective cohort study of emergency department encounters, researchers found that among patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of STIs, less than half underwent any STI testing, highlighting a critical gap in STI testing within emergency care settings.
Published By: Michael Gottlieb, MD, et al., Rush University Medical Center, March 2026
Evaluations and Treatment Among Infants Exposed to Syphilis in Utero, Six U.S. States, 2018–2021
This article examines how infants exposed to syphilis during pregnancy are being evaluated and treated, highlighting inconsistent use of recommended guidelines. Findings show that many infants are not receiving the full course of treatment, appropriate testing, or follow-up care, increasing the risk of missed opportunities to prevent serious long-term health outcomes.
Published By: Mundayi V. Nlandu, MPH, et al., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 2026
Congenital Syphilis in Live Births: Adverse Outcomes, Hospital Length of Stay, and Costs
This study examines trends in congenital syphilis among newborn hospitalizations in the United States between 2016 and 2020. Researchers found that rates of congenital syphilis continued to increase and were associated with higher rates of preterm birth, longer hospital stays, and increased hospital costs, highlighting the growing burden of congenital syphilis on newborn health and healthcare systems.
Published By: Chen, Han-Yang PhD; Klausner, Jeffrey D. MD, MPH; Stafford, Irene A. MD, August 2024
Factors Associated with Serological Failure After Syphilis Therapy in People with HIV-1 with Undetectable Viral Load
This study explores syphilis treatment response in people with HIV and highlights that some patients may not achieve the expected serologic decline after treatment. Findings emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and routine screening, even in patients with well-controlled HIV.
Published By: Aleksandra Hejnosz et al., Medical University of Warsaw
15 key recommendations to eliminate syphilis and congenital syphilis in the Americas
Leaders from 23 countries across the Region of the Americas met in São Paulo, Brazil, in July 2025 to confront the escalating syphilis and congenital syphilis crisis. The resulting declaration calls on governments, health professionals, and community organizations to strengthen prevention and early detection through primary health care and outlines 15 strategic actions to protect maternal, newborn, and community health across the Americas.
Published By: Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization
Congenital Syphilis Educational Infographic
This resource includes an easy click-and-scroll infographic that outlines what congenital syphilis is for the general public and offers prevention and testing resources, including the importance of syphilis discussions as part of routine health checks.
Published By: The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)
Point-of-Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections Toolkit
Published By: National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
How to Apply for a CLIA Certificate, Including International Laboratories
Published By: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2024 (Provisional)
Published By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Innovations in Syphilis Policy Playbook: Strategies for the STI Sector
This playbook is an opportunity for public health partners to pull from relevant themes in syphilis prevention strategies that fit within their landscape and align with operational and structural needs.
Published By: National Coalition of STD Directors
Preg-OUT: Practice Summary & Implementation Guidance
The Preg-Out program was created to expand syphilis screening in pregnancy care, ensuring timely treatment and preventing congenital syphilis. Explore this resource to learn how an opt-out testing model and rapid tests drove meaningful change.
Published By: Dr. Irene Stafford in partnership with AMCHP
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Sexually Transmitted Infections Among People who Inject Drugs in the San Diego–Tijuana Border Region
Published By: National Library of Medicine
Is it Time to Test and Treat for Syphilis?
Published By: J Gen Intern Med
Federal Guidelines, Reports, and Resources
Published By: American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association
Case Study: Same-visit test and treat for syphilis using a rapid treponemal test
Published By: OraSure Technologies, Inc
Rapid treponemal testing for syphilis and the practice of same-visit ‘test and presumptively treat’ for patients in the United States received recent federal- and state-level support,1,2 reducing risk of loss to follow-up for underserved populations.
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a sexual health expert, discusses how the 10-minute time-to-result Diagnostics Direct Syphilis Health Check™ test enables immediate antibiotic treatment in the fight against syphilis.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) National Strategic Plan: 2021-2025
Published By: Department of Health & Human Services
Rapid Testing for Syphilis: A Primer for Clinicians and Other Healthcare Providers
Published By: The National Coalition of STD Directors
Best Practices for Rapid Syphilis Testing in Outreach and Non-Clinical Settings: Lessons Learned from an Evaluation of Four Local Health Departments
Published By: National Association of County and City Health Officials
Considerations for the Implementation of Point of Care (POC) Tests for Syphilis
Published By: National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force
Webinars & Videos
Syphilis Is Evolving Like Never Before.. In Michigan
Created By: Bernard Hsu, PharmD (ChubbyEmu)
Syphilis cases are increasing, and new patterns are emerging. Some patients are experiencing symptoms in unexpected ways, including vision changes linked to ocular syphilis appearing earlier than expected. Learn about cases in Michigan that raise questions about whether the syphilis bacterium may be evolving.
Inside the Blueprint: The Critical Role of Rapid Testing in Combating Rising Syphilis Rates
Created By: Inside The Blueprint®
Early detection and treatment of syphilis is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Syphilis Health Check rapid tests enable earlier detection in a single medical visit, ensuring mothers get the treatment they need to prevent syphilis and congenital syphilis.
Join Jeff Tobias, co-founder of Diagnostics Direct, and Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, one of the nation’s leading infectious disease experts, as they share critical information about the effectiveness of rapid testing and treatment using Syphilis Health Check.
STI Engage 2025 Wednesday Plenary: Syphilis Prevention & Care in Tribal Communities & Beyond
Hosted By: NCSD and Diagnostics Direct, LLC
Speakers: Speakers (in order of appearance): Christopher Zivalich, NCSD; Jeff Tobias, Diagnostics Direct; Dr. Jefferey Klausner, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine; Dr. Celine Gounder, CBS News; CDR Annie Edleman, Tuba City Regional Healthcare Corporation; Elizabeth Antone, Gila Indian Medical Center; Nancy Mangieri, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community Public Health; Tammy Bennett, Clinical Training Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health; Bianca Huff, West Virginia Department of Health; Dr. Irene Stafford, University of Texas Health Science Center; David Harvey, NCSD
Tribal communities face disproportionate STI rates long rooted in disparities in US history, yet local Tribal communities are carving out innovative and successful approaches to STI testing, care, and treatment. Join public health leaders from local Tribal communities to hear lessons learned from their innovative approaches to testing and congenital syphilis prevention and then explore how similar strategies are being deployed in the STI response in other communities in the US.
MICROSAFE® from SAFE-TEC® Pipette Quick Use Video
Created By: Drummond Scientific
A single-use, one-piece, plastic capillary tube used to accurately collect micro samples of blood. MICROSAFE® filling is automatic to a regulated, preset volume thanks to an air valve placed at the predetermined volume indicator. MICROSAFE® is available in sizes between 5uL and 80uL and can be ordered at safe-tecllc.com/contact
Rapid Testing for syphilis in pregnancy
Created By: OraSure Technologies, Inc
Over the past decade, congenital syphilis cases have risen by an alarming 937%, highlighting the critical importance of early detection through testing.
This webinar highlighted the value of rapid syphilis testing at the point-of-care (POC) for pregnant populations in the efforts to reduce congenital syphilis rates. Dr. Irene Stafford and Dr. Jeffrey Klausner reviewed lessons learned and offer key insights from their implementation practices.
7 things to know about Syphilis
Created By: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you are sexually active, ask your healthcare provider if you should get tested.
For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/index.html
Syphilis: It’s Sticky
Created By: Shannon Brown Dowler, MD
In 2024, the number of syphilis cases in the US are approaching the highest since the discovery of penicillin. The rapidly rising rates mean infection is shifting from predominantly men to women being infected in pregnancy, causes devastating impacts on unborn and newborn babies. Syphilis is easy to treat and can be prevented! Learn a little more in this production by Rap Dkta D. She is joined on vocals by her son, Eli, a nursing student at Appalachian. These are home grown videos—written, recorded and edited in the house and shot “on location” in clinics where Dr. Dowler spends time. The actors are all volunteers, many of them doctors and nurses, eager to spread the good news(not STIs) that we can reverse this epidemic!
Lunch Plenary: Syphilis in America: Confronting the Crisis of Our Time
Hosted By: NCSD and Diagnostics Direct, LLC
Speakers: Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD / David Harvey, MSW / Jeff Tobias / Beth Butler / Melanie Taylor, MD, MPH, CAPT, USPHS / Jeffrey Klausner, MD, MHP / Bryce Furness, MD, MPH / Jessica Marcella, MPA / Anthony Merriweather, MSPH / Irene Stafford, MD, MS
Syphilis is a crisis unlike any other faced by the modern STI sector, and the need for a strong response has never been more urgent. Join us as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health Admiral Rachel Levine addresses the nation’s STI professionals on federal efforts to curb the rise in syphilis. Then, after expert testimony on the syphilis drug shortage, a powerhouse panel will attempt to reconcile how states, federal programs, and providers can stop the swell of syphilis and its gravest consequences.
Ask Me Anything About Congenital Syphilis, and Other STIs & Pregnancy with Dr. Mena & Dr. Flash
Hosted By: KFF and CDC
Speakers: Leandro Mena, MD, MPH / Charlene Flash, MD, MPH
Congenital syphilis rates are up in the U.S. When diagnosed early it’s treatable. Hear the latest from leading public health experts on what expectant parents need to know about syphilis testing and treatment.
DoxyPEP
Hosted By: NCSD and Diagnostics Direct
Speakers: Jeffrey Klausner, MD, MHP / Jeff Tobias / Andrew Yu, MS, BSN, RN, ACRN, Shira Heisler, MD / Jason Henry / Michelle Allen
DoxyPEP has been hailed as one of the most important innovations the STI field has experienced in more than a decade. Join us for one of the first national discussions to consider the introduction of DoxyPEP from a range of perspectives – community, clinical, scientific, and programmatic – as the STI sector prepares for implementation. Get ready to explore all the angles, including safety, equity, efficacy, and feasibility.
Syphilis Update 2022: Recent Developments in Syphilis Cases
Hosted By: 360Dx and Diagnostics Direct, LLC
Speakers: Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, MD, MHP
Hosted by 360Dx – In this webinar, Jeffrey Klausner, clinical professor of population and public health sciences at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, discusses recent developments in the current epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, case management, and prevention of syphilis. Klausner will cover emerging trends, novel FDA-approved point-of-care diagnostics, new clinical research findings and technology, changes in treatment, vaccines, and innovative prevention strategies.