VDRL Test: Full Form, Meaning, and Test Result.

Studies found that around 6% of the Indian adult population has sexually transmitted infections (STIs); roughly 6 out of every 100 sexually active adults in India have STIs. 

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to severe health complications if not treated immediately. 

A VDRL test for syphilis is the first step in determining the presence of infection. Today’s blog will provide detailed information about the VDRL test. 

What is the VDRL Test?

India has a significant prevalence of syphilis, which raises the need for the VDRL test. 

In its full form, VDRL is a Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test, a routine blood test that identifies syphilis infections. 

The VDRL blood test measures proteins or antibodies produced in response to syphilis-causing bacteria.

Purpose of the VDRL Test

The VDRL test's main purpose is to screen for syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. 

A VDRL test does not directly locate the T. pallidum bacterium; instead, it locates the number of antibodies or proteins produced to fight against the bacterium in the blood. 

Some healthcare providers recommend testing in the CSF as well. A CSF test procedure involves adding a mixture of lipids called reagin. If the VDRL SCF test shows clumping, it indicates the presence of syphilis infection. 

Also read-  Importance of Regular Sexually Transmitted Diseases Testing - Protecting Your Health & Your Partner's

When to see a Doctor? 

Studies believe certain factors contribute highly toward syphilis infection. Based on that, they can recommend the syphilis test to: 

• Men who have sex with men 
• Pregnant women 
• People living with HIV
• People who have recently been treated for syphilis 
• People who might have been exposed to T. pallidum bacterium 
• People who have recently received treatment for another STI
• People involved in unprotected sex 
• People who have symptoms of syphilis 

Symptoms of Syphilis 

There are commonly three stages of syphilis infection: early, secondary, and late, where each stage carries different symptoms. 

 Let’s look at the symptoms of syphilis.

• Early Stage: During the early stage, you only experience a small and painless sore on the genitals, anus, rectum, or mouth. 

• Secondary Stage: The secondary stage is the mediocre level, where symptoms appear within 3-6 weeks of the syphilis infection. You may experience: 

• Mild fever 

• Sore throat 

• Weight loss 

• Headache 

• Muscle pain 

• Swollen glands 

• Fatigue 

• Body rash 

• Last Stage: This is the last and major stage, where the syphilis infection can damage the nervous system, heart, brain, and other body organs.

Check out this blog to know more about STI symptoms https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/womens-reproductive-health/sexually-transmitted-diseases-std-symptoms-of-std-in-men-and-women/ 

Preparation for the VDRL Test

The VDRL test does not require special preparation. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. However, your doctor may recommend fasting after monitoring your current health condition. 

Risks Associated with the VDRL Test

The VDRL test is a simple blood test requiring blood from a sterile syringe, which is later transferred to check for analysis. To draw blood, you can face minor health complications, such as 

• Bruising 

• Slight bleeding 

• Fainting 

• There is a slight risk of skin infection 

• Minor pain or discomfort 

• Hematoma or blood pooling under the skin

• Lightheadedness 

• Several puncture site 

Understanding the VDRL Test Result

The VDRL test results are classified as non-reactive or reactive, where non-reactive means negative, while reactive means positive. Here is a reference range of VDRL test results

VDRL Test Result	Reference Range	Interpretation
Reactive	Titers of more than 1:8	Indicate the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies working against non-treponemal antigens
Non-reactive	Not reported	Shows there is no presence of IgG and IgM antibodies

Risk of False-Positive VDRL Result

If you are booking the VDRL test from a renowned diagnostic laboratory like Redcliffe Labs, you should worry about the accuracy. Redcliffe Labs provides 100% report correctness. 

The VDRL test result can show a false-negative if you’ve had syphilis for less than three months because your body takes almost three months to produce antibodies. 

Reason for false-positive VDRL test results: 

• Malaria 
• Lyme disease 
• HIV 
• Pneumonia 
• IV drug use 
• Tuberculosis 
• Systemic lupus erythematosus 

Key Takeaways

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, and a VDRL test can help detect its presence. The VDRL test locates the presence of T. pallidum bacterium by identifying the antibodies and proteins produced to fight against the infection. 

The VDRL test means Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test, which is a screening test performed on people who may have syphilis-related antibodies. 

If you have recently come in sexual contact with anyone or believe you are at risk of catching STI, take the VDRL test and prevent the risk of complications. Redcliffe Labs, an omnichannel PAN India diagnostics service provider, offers the VDRL test at INR 229 with a home sample collection service, making it affordable and accessible.