Summary:
Labcorp and NOWDiagnostics have partnered to distribute free First to Know Syphilis Test kits to public health organizations nationwide, expanding access to rapid, over-the-counter syphilis testing amid a U.S. syphilis surge.

Takeaways:

  • Public Health Impact: Over 15 frontline health organizations—including LGBTQ+ centers and safety-net clinics—will receive free syphilis test kits to improve early detection and treatment.
  • Rapid Testing Innovation: The First to Know Syphilis Test is the only OTC syphilis test offering results in 15 minutes and is available via Labcorp OnDemand and healthcare providers.
  • Labcorp’s Broader Strategy: The initiative aligns with Labcorp’s expanding portfolio of self-collection STI tests aimed at reducing care barriers and promoting health equity.

Labcorp, a global provider of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, announced today a new initiative with NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx), a leader in developing over-the-counter (OTC) and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests, to expand access to rapid syphilis testing. The companies will distribute First to Know Syphilis Test kits at no cost to select community-based public health organizations across the country.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that is surging in the U.S., with over 209,000 reported cases in 2023 – the highest since 1950. Alarmingly, 60% of infected individuals are unaware they have syphilis due to often asymptomatic infections. Early detection is crucial, as untreated syphilis can cause severe damage to the eyes, heart, brain and other organs.

“Labcorp is committed to improving health and improving lives through innovative solutions that address critical public health challenges,” said Brian Caveney, MD, Labcorp’s chief medical and scientific officer. “By teaming up with NOWDx and supporting frontline healthcare providers, we’re making it easier to get tested, get treated and help stop the spread of syphilis in local communities.”

Rapid Syphilis Testing Available Over-the-Counter

The First to Know Syphilis Test is the only over-the-counter test for syphilis that provides accurate results in just 15 minutes. Labcorp serves as the exclusive commercial laboratory offering the First to Know Syphilis Test for healthcare providers across the U.S. and also offers the test directly to consumers through Labcorp OnDemand.

Labcorp and NOWDx worked to identify and distribute the syphilis kits to more than 15 organizations nationwide, including LGBTQ+ health centers, HIV/AIDS care providers and safety-net clinics. Participating organizations include: 

  • AHF Wellness Centers – Broward County, Fla. and Austin, Texas– The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) provides high-quality HIV care and services to those in need.
  • Callen-Lorde Community Health Center – Provides sensitive, quality healthcare and related services targeted to New York’s LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Care For the Homeless– Offers high-quality medical, mental, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals experiencing homelessness across Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
  • Catherine’s Health Center – Provides access to high quality, affordable and compassionate healthcare for the West Michigan community.
  • Equitas Health – One of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving healthcare organizations in the United States, serving tens of thousands of patients in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
  • GPW Health Center– A community health center offering comprehensive, integrated, family-centered care in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, as well as other surrounding areas of Northern Virginia.
  • HealthWorks for Northern Virginia– Delivers excellent and affordable medical, dental and behavioral healthcare for patients from all backgrounds, of all ages and of all incomes.
  • High Impacto – Provides education and access to health services and comprehensive support to Latinos and other minority communities in Broward County, Florida.
  • Kintegra Health– Offers community sponsored, family-centered healthcare, education and preventive care services across 16 counties in North Carolina.
  • Project Vida Naftzger Clinic– Assists patients in all stages of life, offering a full range of primary health care services in El Paso, Texas.
  • Neighborhood Health– Aims to improve health and advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia, by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay.
  • UAF Legacy Health– Provides comprehensive healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community in Utah, including primary care, HIV/STI testing, and gender-affirming care.

“Our mission is to empower public health professionals with tools that can change the trajectory of disease in their communities,” said Robert Weigle, CEO of NOWDx. “With Labcorp’s reach and shared commitment to addressing public health issues, this donation places rapid testing directly into the hands of providers serving those most at risk.”

Labcorp’s Commitment to Innovation

This initiative underscores Labcorp’s broader commitment to innovation and expanding access to sexual health and STI testing. In recent months, the company launched multiple self-collection solutions available at Labcorp patient service centers (PSCs) and participating provider offices to expand screening for high-impact infections—including chlamydia and gonorrhea (CT/NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen), Trichomonas vaginalis (Trich), and human papillomavirus (HPV). These offerings are designed to empower patients, reduce barriers to care, and help clinicians detect and treat infections earlier.

Featured Image: The First to Know Syphilis Test is an over-the-counter test for syphilis that provides accurate results in just 15 minutes. Image: Labcorp/NOWDx