Early detection and treatment of syphilis is essential in order to optimize clinical health outcomes, particularly for patients living with HIV. Treating syphilis, in addition to curbing symptoms of STD infection, also helps prevent the spread of HIV, since HIV infection can enter the body through broken skin such as sores.

All HIV-infected patients should be screened at least annually through a reactive serologic (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory – VDRL) or rapid plasma regain (RPR) test. Patients who are at risk and sexually active with multiple partners should be tested even more frequently.

Formula:  The number of patients/clients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months who have also had a documented syphilis screen (VDRL or RPR) within the past year, divided by the total number of patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

For further explanation of this indicator and/or criteria for exclusions, please view indicator definitions on the National HIVQUAL Project’s website.

Increase the percent of patients/clients with an annual syphilis screen (VDRL or RPR) to 90 percent within 12 months.

At the end of each month, count the number of male and female patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past year who also had a documented syphilis screen in the past 12 months. Divide by the total number of patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months.  Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

The National HIVQUAL Project’s Minimum Sample Table will help you determine the number of records in your sample. Research Randomizer can generate a random number series to help you select which records to review.