VDRL is the short form of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test and is widely used test to detect the abnormalities related to STD’s and syphilis. The test is used to detect the infection caused by the bacterium...
VDRL is the short form of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test and is widely used test to detect the abnormalities related to STD’s and syphilis. The test is used to detect the infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and plays an important role in the early detection of the condition for timely treatment. The test doesn’t detect syphilis directly but the antibodies produced; this condition is very serious if left untreated. There are various complications of this disease like affecting the functioning of brain, heart and other vital organs of the body. This test is screening tool for the conditions that are developing in the body and more specific tests may be needed for better assessment of condition and these tests include TPHA test, FTA-ABS test etc. VDRL is important test which quick and affordable pricing available almost all recognized laboratories.
VDRL Test
VDRL is the short form of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test which is non-treponemal test. The test doesn’t directly detect the syphilis but it is used to detect the antibodies which are result of infection and becomes an indicator for infection. This is screening tool test and more often specific tests like trponemal test is used if screening shows positive results. Other tests used to relate the infection for more specific cause and detection include TPHA (Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) or FTA-ABS (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test). This test is preferred because of its quick results, affordability, realibility and availability in almost all recognized laboratories around the country.
VDRL Test Means
VDRL test is used to look for antibodies produced during the infection of syphilis infection. Our immune system after detection of infection produces defense mechanism in the form of antibodies, which are detected by the test to suggest the infection of syphilis. These antibodies are also produced during other infections so this is not certain about syphilis. There are various other specific tests used to confirm the cause of the condition and these tests include TPHA or FTA-ABS tests. VDRL test is also used to look for the previous infections, degree of infection and effect of treatment used for condition.
VDRL Test Full Form
The full form of VDRL is Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test used to detect the infection of syphilis screening on mass scale. The test was developed by a laboratory in U.S called Venereal Disease Research Laboratory.
Purpose of the VDRL Test
The VDRL test serves several important purposes:
- Screening: To identify syphilis infection in people who may not have symptoms.
- Diagnostic purpose: This test is used to look for individuals with symptoms and history of condition.
- For monitoring purpose: Test is used to monitor the condition, look for progression and effect of treatment in person.
- Testing during pregnancy: This test helps to keep a track of unborn babies related to the condition of syphilis.
- Detect the condition before any blood or organ donation: This test is helpful in determining the condition of donor before going for any blood or organ donation.
VDRL Test in Pregnancy
VDRL test is very important during pregnancy which help in screening of syphilis condition before birth and help manage the condition effectively. Syhilis is dangerious condition unborn babies which can cause organ damage, deformities and other seirous conditions in new born babies.
- This test helps for routine checkup and keeps a track of the condition in unborn babies.
- Any positive indication of disease will help to manage and set an effective treatment for the condition.
VDRL Test Procedure
VDRL procedure is very simple and does not require any special preparation. This test is done like any other pathological test. Here are some common steps of test:
- Test doesn’t require any fasting
- Test doesn’t require any special preparation
- Blood sample is collected from the arm for testing
- Sample is collected and labeled
- Sample is send for analysis
- Results are collected usually within a day or two or depends on laboratory
VDRL Test Price
The test price of VDRL test may slightly varys from location to location or laboratory to laboratory. The average test price is in the range of Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 in Delhi NCR. But prices also depend on:
- Location of laboratory
- Whether private or government laboratory
- Going to perform test through panel
- Combination of various tests etc.
VDRL Test Positive Means
VDRL testing positive indicates the presence of antibodies produced during the infection of syphilis. But the positive tests have various other meanings also like:
- Not the confirmation of active infection
- Positive result may also be the result of autoimmune disease or pregnancy or any other infection
- Patient need specific tests like TPHA or FTA-ABS test for further evaluation
VDRL Test Result and Normal Range
VDRL test is generally positive or negative as it is qualitative test:
- Positive shows the signs of infection and needs further specific tests for evaluation
- Negative shows no infection and rules out the infection of syphilis.
Why VDRL Test is Important
- To detect the hidden syphilis without showing any visible symptoms
- Hidden infection can damage organs quietly and can lead to organ failure in long run
- Helps to reduce the risk of transmission to baby from mother
- Helps to limit the spread
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Conclusion
The VDRL test is very important, affordable and quick test used to detect the infection of syphilis in the body. The test doesn’t directly detect the infection or pathogen but it is used to detect antibodies produced during infection. This infection is some cases doesn’t show any visible symptoms and spread silently. This can affect the organs, damage the system and lead to organ failure in long run. This is also very critical in unborn babies as infection can lead to congenital abnormalities in newborn babies. Early detection helps to limit the spread, stop transmission and effective treatment for condition. If the test comes positive patient need more specific tests for the detection of pathogen and for more evaluation of disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the use of VDRL test?
It screens and helps diagnose syphilis infection.
Is fasting needed before a VDRL test?
No, fasting isn’t required.
What is the VDRL test full form?
Full form of VDRL is Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test, the lab where this test has been formulated.
What is the cost of VDRL test?
The cost ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 in Delhi.
What does a VDRL test positive means?
It means antibodies related to syphilis have been detected.
Is positive test always the sign of syphilis condition?
No, these antibodies are also produced during other infections.
What other test are used after VDRL for confirmation of infection?
TPHA test and FTA-ABS test is used for confirmation of infection.
