YNOT – Adult Production Health & Safety Services, an arm of adult industry trade association Free Speech Coalition, has issued a warning that performers who test negative for syphilis may not be free of the disease and are not approved to work. According to an APHSS spokesperson, standard RPR syphilis tests can return negative results for as many as 90 days after an individual has contracted the sexually transmitted infection.

APHSS began offering free syphilis tests through a nationwide network of participating clinics last week, after a male performer was found to have altered test results indicating he was infected with syphilis. The performer shot at least three sexually explicit scenes before the deception was discovered, leading APHSS officials to request an indefinite, voluntary moratorium on new productions until all active performers could be tested and pronounced healthy.

“It is important to note that this [RPR] test has a large window period — as much as 90 days — and therefore cannot be relied upon to diagnose a recent syphilis infection,” an APHSS statement noted. “More importantly, a person with an acute infection can be contagious and still test negative.

“We cannot rely on these tests alone to determine a performer’s availability to work,” the statement continued. “This test only provides our doctors a baseline from which to base further testing or treatment options.”

The APHSS statement also noted that the RPR test is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for preliminary diagnosis.

Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics; therefore, as a preventive measure, APHSS’ network of medical specialists has recommended prophylactic syphilis treatment for all performers. Antibiotic shots have been ordered, and APHSS plans to announce locations where performers may receive vaccinations sometime on Tuesday. Information will be available at APHSS.org.

Performers may be cleared to work 10 days after inoculation, the APHSS statement said.

“Our doctors network is speaking with expert microbiologists to determine if there is a test that can be utilized to identify the presence of an acute infection of syphilis,” the statement noted. “If such a test exists, this test will be administered when the performer comes in for prophylactic treatment, in order to provide additional information.”

A group of adult studios has established a fund to cover the cost of prophylactic treatment. The group includes Manwin, Evil Angel, Girlfriends Films, Kink.com, Vivid Entertainment and Gamma Entertainment.

“Still more producers are offering to contribute,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “This is an industry-wide effort by producers to ensure the safety of the performers. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and contributions of involved parties at this time.

“I always appreciate how our industry comes together in a time of need,” she continued. “Clearly, our industry’s priority is the health and well-being of our performers. Thank you to all of the producers who have and will contribute, and thanks to all of you for honoring the moratorium.”