A VDRL test (venereal disease research laboratory) is conducted to know if the person has syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted disease. This test is prescribed by the doctor to find the antibodies that are produced as a result of coming into contact with bacteria-damaged cells. When a doctor tests these cells, they get to know whether the person is infected or not. If the results of the VDRL test are positive, it means that they are infected with the disease.
Overview of the VDRL Test
The VDRL test means testing for the presence or absence of syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted disease. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum, which infects the person's mouth lining or genital area. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through sexual intercourse, including oral as well as genital sex. The infected person may unknowingly spread the disease to their partner, who is in direct contact with a syphilis sore, or the infectious bacteria can also spread through cuts on the skin. This disease can be transmitted to sexual partners even if the infected person does not show any symptoms. The VDRL test is used to detect the presence of antibodies that are produced in response to bacteria-infected cells. The doctor examines the VDRL blood test results to confirm whether the person is infected or not. However, this test is an indication of the presence of syphilis because it finds antibodies, not the bacteria that cause infection.
Some of the common risk factors for syphilis are:
- Unprotected sex
- Sexual intercourse between partners of the same sex (male with male sex partners)
- A person who has been diagnosed with HIV
- A person who has several sexual partners
Common symptoms of syphilis:
There are different stages of syphilis infection. In the primary stage, the person may get one or more sores—small ulcers on the genitals, anus, or rectum. Usually, they heal in a few weeks. However, treatment helps the person avoid the progression of this disease to the next stage. Secondary syphilis starts after a few weeks, ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. In this stage, the person gets rashes on their hands and feet along with other symptoms such as fever, hair loss, swollen lymph glands, and weight loss.
A VDRL card test, along with several other tests, including an RPR test, is prescribed by the doctor to the person who has active symptoms related to syphilis.
When is the Test Prescribed?
The doctor orders a VDRL serum test to screen for sexually transmitted disease – Syphilis. This test is usually recommended if the person has visible primary symptoms of this disease. In other cases, the VDRL test is suggested as a routine test in pregnancy. This is a standard test during pregnancy that does not necessarily mean that the woman has this disease. A person who is being treated for another sexually transmitted disease is also suggested to undergo a VDRL serum test. Lastly, people who are involved in high-risk sexual activity also get this test done. The doctor requests this test to monitor the progress of certain medical treatments, avoid long-term complications, and detect disease early. A quantitative evaluation of the VDRL test is done for checking the efficiency of ongoing treatment.
If the medical practitioner has asked a person to take a VDRL test, then they can book their lab test online from the official website of Max Lab. They can get a price quote for the VDRL blood test and book an appointment time for blood sample collection.
Time Required for VDRL Test Report + Next Steps
Once the person has enquired about the cost of the VDRL test and booked it from the website of Max Lab, they can visit the nearest Max Lab diagnostic centre or call the phlebotomist for home blood sample collection. Usually, the test report is generated within 24 hours. So, the patient does not have to wait for long hours. When a person gets the test done from Max Lab, they get a 100% accurate and reliable test report. It is advised to take the test report to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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