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VDRL

STDs Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: STDs

Overview

The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a non-treponemal serologic screening test that detects reagin antibodies directed against cardiolipin–lecithin–cholesterol complexes released from damaged host cells and treponemes. It does not detect the organism directly but measures a host antibody response used to screen for syphilis and to monitor treatment response. A reactive VDRL suggests possible active or recently treated syphilis but requires confirmation with a specific treponemal test. Indications include genital ulcers, unexplained rash (especially palms/soles), mucous patches, lymphadenopathy, neurologic signs, pregnancy screening, or exposure to a partner with syphilis. Results can vary by stage of infection (early primary can be nonreactive), pregnancy (false positives), immunosuppression (possible false negatives), and age has minimal direct effect.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: STDs - Symptoms: painless genital ulcer, diffuse rash including palms/soles, mucosal lesions, unexplained lymphadenopathy, neurologic symptoms, or known exposure.
Diagnoses/monitor: screens for syphilis and monitors therapeutic response by serial titers.
Reasons for abnormal: active infection, recent/treated infection, false positives from other infections or autoimmune disease.
Biological meaning: presence of reagin antibodies indicating tissue damage/immune response.
Behaviors: unprotected sexual activity, multiple partners, IV drug use increase risk.
Family/partner history: sexual partner with syphilis indicates testing need.

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Understanding Test Results

Non‑reactive (negative) no serologic evidence of syphilis by this non‑treponemal test (may be negative in very early infection or late treated disease).
Reactive results are usually reported with titers (dilutions).
Low titers (e.g., 1:1 to 1:4) may reflect early infection, past treated infection, or false positives.
Moderate titers (e.g., 1:8 to 1:32) suggest active infection.
High titers (≥1:64) often indicate recent or secondary syphilis with high disease activity.
A fourfold rise in titer (e.g., 1:4 1:16) typically indicates new infection or treatment failure; a fourfold decline (e.g., 1:32 1:8) indicates adequate response to therapy.
False positives can occur with pregnancy, autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE), febrile illnesses, or vaccination; false negatives can occur in very early primary syphilis or with immunosuppression.
Reactive VDRL requires confirmation with a treponemal test (e.g., TPPA/FTA‑ABS).

Normal Range

Non‑reactive (Negative)

FAQs

Q: What does a positive VDRL mean?

A: A positive VDRL indicates non-treponemal antibodies often produced in syphilis, suggesting current or recent infection. It can also be falsely positive with pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, other infections, or aging. Positive results need confirmatory treponemal testing (e.g., FTA-ABS or TPPA), clinical correlation and titer monitoring to guide treatment and follow-up with a clinician or sexual health service.

Q: Is VDRL a sexually transmitted disease?

A: VDRL is not a sexually transmitted disease; it is a blood screening test for syphilis, which is an STD caused by Treponema pallidum. A reactive VDRL suggests possible infection but can give false positives, so positives should be confirmed with treponemal-specific tests. Syphilis is usually sexually transmitted but can also be congenital or, rarely, transmitted via contaminated blood.

Q: How long is VDRL positive?

A: VDRL, a non‑treponemal test, typically becomes positive about 2–6 weeks after infection (often 1–4 weeks after the chancre). After successful treatment titers usually decline and may revert to negative in about 6–12 months for primary syphilis or 12–24 months for secondary. In late or untreated infection the VDRL can remain reactive for years or lifelong; false positives can occur.

Q: What are the symptoms of VDRL syphilis?

A: Syphilis symptoms vary by stage. Primary: a single painless skin ulcer (chancre) at the infection site and swollen nearby lymph nodes. Secondary: fever, malaise, widespread rash (often on palms and soles), mucous patches, condyloma lata, sore throat and generalized lymphadenopathy. Latent: no symptoms. Tertiary: gummas, cardiovascular disease (aortitis) and neurologic problems including sensory loss, ataxia and dementia.

Q: Can VDRL be cured?

A: Yes a VDRL-positive syphilis infection is curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment, typically intramuscular benzathine penicillin. Early-stage disease is readily cured and treatment prevents transmission; late-stage infection can be treated but may not reverse organ or neurological damage already done. Follow-up blood tests monitor falling antibody titres; sexual partners must be evaluated and treated as needed.

Q: What is the cost of a VDRL test?

A: The cost of a VDRL (syphilis screening) test varies by location and provider. Many public sexual‑health services offer it free. In private labs it typically ranges about ₹150–₹600 in India, roughly $10–$60 in the United States, while private clinics in the UK may charge higher, variable fees. Check your local clinic or lab for exact pricing and any consultation costs.