Syphilis Testing Practices in the Americas Region: Results of the 2014 Survey

Abstract

[Summary]. This report presents results of the first survey assessing syphilis testing policies and practices in the Americas Region. The survey objective was to better understand laboratory practices around syphilis testing in the Region by surveying national and regional reference laboratories and a sample of large, lower-level public and private facilities. Laboratory directors or managers in the 35 member-states of the Americas Region were invited to respond to a semi-structured questionnaire, administered electronically, on questions related to syphilis tests and testing algorithms used, availability of specialized equipment and commodities needed for syphilis testing, the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) strategies typically employed, and challenges faced by these laboratories.