VDRL or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory tests are blood screening tests designed to detect Syphilis. As a result, everyone who exhibits even minor syphilis symptoms should get tested. VDRL blood tests can be useful in this situation. This test can be used to determine the presence of Syphilis in an individual and, if so, how serious the condition is. In addition, physicians can use the findings of the test to decide the most suitable course of treatment.

What is a VDRL Test?

VDRL test is a specific screening test for a sexually transmitted infection called Syphilis, leading to serious health complications if not treated. The VDRL test monitors the body's production of proteins or antibodies in reaction to the bacteria Treponema Pallidum, which causes Syphilis. If these antibodies are found in the blood sample, it means that the person has been exposed to the syphilis-causing bacteria. If a patient shows the signs and symptoms of an STD, their doctor may advise them to have this test. VDRL test in pregnancy is a standard component of prenatal treatment throughout pregnancy.  

Purpose of VDRL Test

In the event that there is a possibility that a person may have Syphilis, the physician is likely to request a VDRL test. Possible early signs that may lead to the doctor suggesting this test include:

• One small and painless sore
• Lymph node enlargement near the wound
• A rash on the body that doesn't itch

In some cases, the physician may conduct a syphilis test even if the patient does not present with any symptoms. The physician will routinely conduct syphilis tests as part of the prenatal care. If a patient is under treatment for another STI, such as gonorrhoea, or if they have HIV infection, the doctor may also recommend that they be tested for Syphilis. 

What happens during the VDRL Test?

Typically, all that is required for a VDRL is for a healthcare professional to collect the blood sample. The blood is typically taken from a vein located at the elbow or back of the hand, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed for the presence of antibodies produced due to Syphilis. It is not necessary to fast or discontinue any medications prior to the VDRL test. If the physician wishes to waive this requirement, they will inform the patient prior to the examination. The patient will be informed in advance of the test if the doctor decides to make an exception.  

Procedure for VDRL Test

The majority of the time, doctors test VDRL levels using blood samples from their patients. The test can, however, be performed using a CSF sample. The VDRL test procedure is as follows:

Collection of Blood Sample - A hollow needle is used to prick a vein in the patient's elbow or the back of their hand during a blood sample collection. The blood is then drawn into a collection tube that is attached to the needle at the other end. To make it simpler to find the veins, a rubber band may be tied to the site of injection to help the pricking of the needle.

CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) Collection - In addition to blood testing, spinal fluid can be checked since infections such as Syphilis can spread to brain tissue. CSF samples are collected by doctors using a technique known as a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. A person will lie on their side and bring their legs to their chest throughout the process. A local anaesthetic will be used by the healthcare professional to disinfect and numb the injection site. They will then implant a spinal needle into the lower spine and remove a small amount of CSF.

Uses of VDRL test

The VDRL is commonly employed as part of a general sexual orientation screening program for sexually active individuals. It is also suggested for use in pregnant women due to the potential transmission of Syphilis from mother to infant during pregnancy. Additionally, the VDRL test is used to detect individuals who present with syphilis-related symptoms, such as rashes or sores. 

A VDRL test is used to screen for Syphilis by detecting antibodies or proteins produced by the body in the presence of bacteria that cause Syphilis. In the event VDRL test positive means, further testing must be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. 

Understanding the results of your VDRL test

If your syphilis antibody test is negative, it indicates that you likely do not have syphilis.

If your syphilis antibody test is positive, it suggests a potential syphilis infection, but confirmation is needed. In such cases, your doctor will order a more specific test, often a treponemal test, to verify whether your immune system has produced specific antibodies in response to the syphilis-causing bacterium, Treponema pallidum.

How to Prepare for the VDRL Test?

The VDRL blood test does not necessitate any prior preparation. Any over-the-counter medications or illegal substances that the patient uses must be disclosed to the doctor. Additionally, the patient should inform the physician of any vitamins, herbal or medicinal supplements they may be taking. The test involves taking a little sample of blood from a vein in the arm, so it's imperative to let the doctor know if the patient has a bleeding problem or is taking blood thinning medications.

Values of VDRL Test - Results

The test outcomes are categorised as either non-reactive (negative) or reactive (positive). A VDRL-positive test result reveals the presence of antibodies that point to a current or previous syphilis infection. Additional tests, such as TPHA & FTA-Abs, may be required if the test is positive in order to confirm the diagnosis and establish the infection's stage. A VDRL test negative means that the blood sample did not contain any antibodies to Syphilis.

Risks

The use of the VDRL test provides a convenient and secure method of detecting syphilis infections. There are no major risks associated with the test itself; however, there may be minor complications that may arise from the drawing of blood and puncturing the lumbar region. These complications may include:

• Several pricks if the blood vessel is difficult to find
• Pain or soreness near the injection site
• Post-procedure bruising or bleeding.
• Dizziness and weakness
• A moderate to severe headache
• Leg or lower back tingling or numbness
• An infection at the injection spot

Conclusion

As soon as one suspects they may have been exposed to Syphilis, it's crucial to see the experienced doctors at CARE Hospitals and get your VDRL tests done. If left untreated, it may spread throughout the body and complicate the functioning of other organs. The most important thing to keep in mind is to engage in safe sexual behaviour, and if there is any possibility that a person has come into touch with Syphilis, they should consult a doctor straight away.

FAQs

1. Is VDRL an STD?

Ans. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory or VDRL test is intended to determine whether a person has it.

2. What if VDRL is negative and TPHA is positive?

Ans. TPHA is often administered in instances with a titer of less than 1:8, and if positive, the patient is diagnosed with Syphilis and given proper treatment. A TPHA-positive/VDRL-negative test indicates the presence of a treponemal infection in the patient.

3. What Abnormal Results Mean?

Ans. If a screening test is positive, it indicates that the individual being tested may have syphilis-related antibodies. To determine if they have Syphilis, they will require a second test. They will begin receiving VDRL test-positive treatment if the follow-up examination reveals they have Syphilis.

4. Is VDRL positive for life?

Ans. VDRL-positive symptoms imply syphilis infection. It can be successfully cured if detected and treated at an early stage.

5. How long is VDRL positive?

Ans. After treatment for primary, secondary, or latent Syphilis, VDRL test titers should decrease by at least 4-fold in 3-6 months and in 12–24 months, respectively.

Reference:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/syphilis-tests/#:~:text=If%20your%20screening%20test%20results%20are%20positive%2C%20it%20means%20you,penicillin%2C%20a%20type%20of%20antibiotic.