Rapid POC Test Detects Syphilis from Single Finger-Prick Blood Sample

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can begin with painless sores and progress to severe organ damage if untreated. Congenital syphilis, passed from mother to baby, can cause stillbirth or other serious outcomes. Canada has seen alarming rises in cases, nearly doubling from 2018 to 2023, with congenital syphilis rising by 220%. A new rapid blood test now offers a faster, more accessible way to detect the disease.

MedMira’s (Halifax, Canada) Reveal TP (Syphilis) Antibody Test (Reveal TP) uses the company’s proprietary Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF) technology to deliver immediate results from a single finger-prick blood sample. Unlike conventional tests, the results do not fade, and the device is designed for use in hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies.

Image: Reveal TP is based on the company’s proprietary Rapid Vertical Flow technology (Photo courtesy of MedMira)

In a study conducted in Canada, Reveal TP displayed excellent clinical performance, showing 99.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. MedMira has received approval from Health Canada for Reveal TP, making it the fastest standalone syphilis screening device in Canada. The test offers a vital point-of-care option for identifying syphilis cases and ensuring timely treatment.

Reveal TP joins MedMira’s portfolio of approved rapid tests, including dual HIV/syphilis and HIV-only devices already licensed in Canada. The easy-to-use characteristic of all MedMira’s tests allows them to be used in the most diverse environments, including resource-limited areas, since they do not require specialized instruments, trained operators, or a cold chain for use or storage.

Reveal TP will prove particularly valuable in underserved regions such as the Prairie provinces, where infection rates are surging. Researchers also emphasize its potential to strengthen culturally informed testing strategies for Indigenous and rural communities, reducing barriers to diagnosis and care.

The company plans to pursue regulatory approvals across the U.S. and Europe, with the aim of expanding access to scalable, cost-effective diagnostics that can be integrated into public health programs worldwide.

“This approval reflects our commitment to developing technologies that address urgent public health challenges while improving access to care,” said Hermes Chan, CEO of MedMira.

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