VDRL Test
750 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test
Purpose
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test is a blood test used to detect non-specific antibodies (reagin) that the body produces in response to infection with Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. It plays a critical role in screening and diagnosing syphilis, including its complication neurosyphilis, particularly when performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
This test is important because early detection and treatment of syphilis can prevent serious long-term health problems, including neurological and cardiovascular complications. The test is also useful in monitoring treatment effectiveness, as antibody levels typically decline after successful therapy.
The test can be done alongside Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, Treponemal tests, HIV test, and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Patient Preparation
No special preparation is needed.
Samples
2 mL (minimum 0.5 mL) Serum. Red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube. Serum should be centrifuged and aliquotted if testing is not done immediately. and refrigerated.
Reference Range
Negative
Results Turnaround
Within 1 hour after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
A positive VDRL test result in the blood typically indicates a syphilis infection, especially in the early or secondary stages. In this case, further confirmatory testing with treponemal-specific tests is necessary to rule out false positives caused by other conditions (such as pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections).
A positive test result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suggests neurosyphilis, a complication of syphilis that affects the brain and spinal cord. This may present with symptoms such as headache, vision problems, confusion, or difficulty coordinating movement.
A negative result usually indicates that there is no active syphilis infection, or that the test was conducted too early or too late in the infection, when antibody levels are too low to detect.
Because VDRL is a non-treponemal test, its results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings and confirmatory tests. It’s also valuable in monitoring response to treatment—falling antibody levels after treatment generally suggest successful therapy.
For more on VDRL Testing, read this study.