Book VDRL Test

The VDRL test detects antibodies produced by your body as a result of contact with the bacteria that causes syphilis. Testing for these antibodies allows your doctor to determine whether or not you are infected.

The bacteria Treponema pallidum causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is most usually transmitted sexually (through touch with a syphilis sore (Chancre)). Antibiotics are effective in treating syphilis. However, if left untreated, it can cause serious health complications and even death. Maternal transmission from an infected mother to an unborn child can have serious and potentially fatal effects on the newborn.

Syphilis Progresses via Numerous Stages:

• Primary syphilis: The primary stage begins 2-3 weeks after infection. It usually manifests itself as one or more painless chancres on the sexual partner’s chancre-exposed body regions, such as the penis or vagina. It may go unrecognized since it is unpleasant, especially if it is in the rectum or on the cervix. Even without therapy, it normally goes away in 4-6 weeks.
• Secondary syphilis: If an infected individual is not treated, primary syphilis can evolve to secondary syphilis. Symptoms usually arise 6 weeks to 6 months after the chancre first forms. It is most commonly seen as a non-itchy skin rash (rough, red, and speckled), typically on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Other symptoms may include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, a scratchy throat, and body aches.
• Late or tertiary syphilis: If secondary syphilis is not treated, it can develop into the late or tertiary stage. In this case, an infected person may have no symptoms (asymptomatic), but the infection persists and can endure for years. If ignored, tertiary syphilis can cause a variety of consequences, including damage to the heart, eyes, brain, central nervous system (neurosyphilis), bones, joints, or practically any other area of the body. Tertiary syphilis can linger for years, eventually leading to mental illness, blindness, other neurological issues, heart disease, and death.

VDRL test is done:

• To detect syphilis in persons who have symptoms of sexually transmitted illnesses.
• To test those who are at a high risk of syphilis exposure, such as those who have another STD or HIV infection, homosexual men who have a syphilis-infected sexual partner, or have engaged in high-risk sexual activity.
• To pregnant women for syphilis screening.
• To keep track of syphilis treatment.

No preparations are usually desirable.

Keep the following considerations in mind:

• You may notice a minor bruise at the puncture site.
• Slight pain in the arm after the test, which can last for a few days.

There is usually no risk associated with the VDRL test.

Reference Range:  Negative (Non-Reactive)