The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a blood test that is used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
It is not specific to a particular gender and can be used as a screening tool for syphilis infection in both males and females. VDRL test in pregnancy is also performed for infection.
VDRL Test
Here are the basic details for VDRL Test.
Also Known As |
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test |
Type |
Blood Test |
Purpose
|
Diagnose Syphilis a sexually transmitted infection |
Sample Type |
Blood serum |
Preparation |
No Special Preparation Required |
Fasting |
No |
Gender |
Unisex |
Age-Group |
All Ages |
Normal Value |
A positive test indicates the presence of Antibodies |
Reporting Time |
1 - 2 hours |
Cost (INR) |
100 - 300* INR |
*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.
VDRL Test Full Form
The Full Form For VDRL Test is Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test.
VDRL Test Means
VDRL Test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis.
- VDRL Test detects the presence of antibodies produced in response to the syphilis bacteria.
- A positive VDRL test indicates the presence of syphilis infection.
- It is an initial screening test and further confirmatory tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
- VDRL Test in pregnancy is also commonly performed to screen for syphilis infection in expectant mothers, as untreated syphilis can pose serious health risks to both the mother and the baby.
VDRL Test Purpose
Here are the purposes of the VDRL Test.
- The VDRL test is commonly used to diagnose syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
- The VDRL test is also used as a screening tool to detect syphilis in people who may not have any symptoms but are at risk of infection.
- It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for syphilis. A decrease in the titer (level) of antibodies in the blood indicates that treatment is working.
- If the VDRL test is positive, a confirmatory test such as the Treponemal Pallidum Antibody (TP-PA) test is usually done to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis.
- The VDRL test may be used to test for other conditions that can cause false positive results on a syphilis test, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
VDRL Test Preparation
Here are some preparations, procedures, and aftercare for the VDRL test:
Before Test
- No fasting or other special preparations are required before the test.
- Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect the test results.
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies or blood clotting disorders.
During Test
- The VDRL test involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
- The test is usually done in a doctor's office or laboratory by a trained healthcare professional.
- The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
After Test
- The VDRL test usually takes a few days to process.
- Your doctor will inform you of the results and what they mean for your health.
- If the test is positive, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
- If you test negative but have symptoms of syphilis, your doctor may recommend further testing or monitoring.
Summary
The VDRL Test requires a blood sample and may require additional testing for diagnosis or treatment if positive.
VDRL Test Procedure
Here is the procedure for the VDRL test:
- A healthcare professional will clean the area where the blood will be drawn, usually the inner elbow or back of the hand, with an antiseptic solution.
- A tourniquet will be tied around your upper arm to help locate a vein and make it easier to draw blood.
- A needle will be inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood will be drawn into a sterile tube.
- After the needle is removed, a cotton ball or bandage will be placed over the site to stop any bleeding.
- The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- The results of the VDRL test will be provided to you by your healthcare provider.
VDRL Test Result
Here are some key points regarding VDRL test results:
- A non-reactive or negative VDRL test result means that no syphilis antibodies were detected in your blood.
- A reactive or positive VDRL test result means that syphilis antibodies were detected in your blood.
- A reactive VDRL test may indicate a current or past infection with syphilis. However, false positive results are possible, and additional tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis.
- If your VDRL test is positive, your healthcare provider will recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment if necessary.
- If you have a history of syphilis or have been treated for syphilis, a VDRL test may remain positive even if you are no longer infected.
VDRL Test Report
VDRL Test Report PDF
VDRL Test Non Reactive Negative Normal Report
VDRL Non Reactive Negative Normal Test Report PDF Format
VDRL Test Normal Result Report PDF
VDRL Test Reactive Positive Abnormal Report
VDRL Reactive Positive Abnormal Test Report PDF Format
VDRL Test Abnormal Result Report PDF
VDRL Test Interpretation
The VDRL test does not have a specific normal range. However, here is some information about the interpretation of the test results.
VDRL Test Result |
Interpretation |
Non-reactive or negative means |
No syphilis antibodies detected |
Reactive or positive means |
Syphilis antibodies detected |
False positive |
Positive results due to other medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, or recent vaccinations |
It is important to note that a positive VDRL test does not necessarily mean that you have an active syphilis infection. Additional VDRL Test in pregnancy tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis and false positive results can occur.
VDRL Test Positive Means
Here is a possible cause of VDRL Test positive means.
Positive Result Means |
Possible Causes |
Presence of syphilis antibodies |
Syphilis infection |
False-positive result |
Other infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis), autoimmune diseases |
Previous syphilis infection |
Successfully treated or inactive syphilis infection |
Summary
A Positive VDRL Test indicates the presence of syphilis infection or other possible causes.
VDRL Test is Safe?
- VDRL test is a safe and routine screening test for syphilis.
- It involves a simple blood draw and does not pose any significant risks or side effects.
- However, false-positive results can occur, which may require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.
When Do You Get VDRL Test Results?
- The turnaround time for VDRL test results varies depending on the laboratory where the test was performed and the method used.
- In general, results may be available within 1-2 hours after the sample is collected.
- Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more information about when you can expect to receive your VDRL test results.
VDRL Test Limitation
Here are some possible limitations of the VDRL Test.
- False-negative results in the early stages of syphilis.
- Limited specificity, leads to false-positive results in certain conditions.
- Cannot differentiate between active and past syphilis infection.
- Requires confirmation with additional tests for accurate diagnosis.
- May not detect syphilis in certain body fluids or tissues.
VDRL Test Risk Factors
Here is the potential risk factor of the VDRL Test.
- High-risk sexual behavior, such as multiple sexual partners.
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected individual.
- History of previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Intravenous drug use and sharing needles.
- VDRL test in pregnancy for Vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Doctor Recommendations After VDRL Test Result
Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after VDRL Test.
VDRL Test Result |
Doctor to Visit |
Reason to Visit |
Reactive (Positive) |
Infectious Disease |
Possible syphilis infection |
Normal |
General Practitioner |
Routine follow-up or other symptoms |
Non Reactive (Negative) |
No specific doctor |
No immediate concerns |
VDRL Test Price
Here are the estimated VDRL Test Price in India with different top cities.
*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.
Summary
Overall, VDRL Test is a blood test used to diagnose syphilis and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment; it measures the antibodies that the body produces in response to the bacterium that causes syphilis. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.
Reference
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test - Wikipedia [1].
- Syphilis- Wikipedia [2].