VDRL in Dehradun

What is a VDRL?

VDRL detects antibodies produced in response to cellular damage caused by syphilis infection, rather than antibodies against the organism itself. That indirect mechanism gives the test both its usefulness and its characteristic weaknesses. It is inexpensive, widely available and quantifiable, and because the titre falls after successful treatment it is the standard way of confirming that treatment has worked, which the more specific treponemal tests cannot do since they stay positive for life. Its weaknesses are two-sided. False positives occur in pregnancy, after certain viral infections and vaccinations, in autoimmune disease particularly lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome, in tuberculosis, malaria and in older age, so a reactive VDRL must always be confirmed with a specific treponemal test such as TPHA or FTA-ABS. False negatives occur very early in infection before antibodies develop, and in late latent disease. This is why syphilis screening is always a two-test sequence rather than one, and why no one should be told they have syphilis on a VDRL alone.

Why take this test?

VDRL is advised as routine antenatal screening, which is standard in India and important because untreated syphilis in pregnancy causes stillbirth, prematurity and congenital syphilis, all preventable with a simple course of penicillin. It is used before surgery and in blood donor screening, after possible sexual exposure, and for symptoms suggesting syphilis: a painless genital ulcer, a rash involving the palms and soles, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained neurological or cardiovascular findings in later disease. It is commonly ordered as part of a sexual health panel alongside HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, which share transmission routes. It is also the test used to follow treatment, with titres expected to fall fourfold over months. Testing is confidential, syphilis is entirely curable with antibiotics, and treating a pregnant woman promptly protects the baby, which is the strongest argument for screening.

• Routine antenatal screening in pregnancy
• Before surgery, and in blood donor screening
• After possible sexual exposure or unprotected sex with a new partner
• A painless genital ulcer, or a rash on the palms and soles
• As part of a sexual health panel with HIV and hepatitis B and C
• Monitoring the fall in titre after treatment

Normal reference ranges

Ranges are indicative for adults. Your report carries the lab-specific reference range and is reviewed by a LabONE pathologist; always interpret results with your doctor.

FAQs: VDRL in Dehradun