Symptoms of syphilis usually occur around 3 weeks after infection, but they may take up to 90 days to appear. Syphilis tests will be able to detect this infection once symptoms appear.
A person should receive testing if they notice any symptoms of syphilis or have had sex with someone with symptoms. Additionally, those who are pregnant, those with HIV and who are sexually active, and males who have sex with males should receive testing even if they do not display symptoms.