Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be detected through blood tests. Some of the common STIs that can be detected using blood tests include:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV is a viral infection that attacks the immune system. Blood tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the nucleic acid test (NAT), can detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself in the blood.
- Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Blood tests, such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and the Treponemal Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA) test, can detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
- Hepatitis B and C: Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that affect the liver. Blood tests, such as the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test and the Hepatitis C antibody test, can detect the presence of viral antigens or antibodies in the blood.
- Herpes: Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Blood tests, such as the type-specific IgG antibody test, can detect antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2, which are the two types of herpes viruses.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a viral infection that can cause genital warts and is linked to certain types of cancers. Blood tests are not commonly used to detect HPV, but they may be used in specific cases to determine the presence of high-risk HPV types in the blood.
It’s important to note that the timing and accuracy of blood tests for STIs may vary, and they should be performed by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with established testing protocols and guidelines.
