VDRL Test

What is a VDRL test?

VDRL stands for venereal disease research laboratory test. This is a screening test for syphilis. It detects the presence of proteins (antibodies) produced by syphilis-causing bacteria.

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Why do I need a VDRL test?

The treponema pallidum bacteria cause syphilis. This test is needed If you are suffering from early symptoms of syphilis:

• Small painless sore
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Non-itchy skin rashes

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Fatigue
• Hair loss in spots

A VDRL test depends on the stage of infection and the early stages might show a false negative. If a test is positive, then syphilis syphilis-specific test is required.

What do the results mean?

The VDRL test results are assessed as “positive” or “negative” based on antibodies present in T. palladium in the blood. A negative result indicates that no syphilis antibodies are present in the blood and it is considered to be a normal value. If VDRL test results are positive then the doctor is advised to perform the treponemal test to confirm the result. This screening test is most likely positive in the secondary and later stages of syphilis. Some conditions that cause false-positive results:

• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Certain types of pneumonia
• Malaria
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

What are the reactive and non-reactive in the VDRL?

A reactive test result may indicate the antibodies of T.pallidum bacteria in the blood sample, indicating the syphilis infection. A non-reactive test result may result in the absence of antibodies.