Select Location

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test

Q: What is the difference between the VDRL and the TPHA tests?

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) is an acronym for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory. Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA) is an acronym for Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination. Both tests are used to diagnose syphilis. VDRL, is a non-specific screening test, whereas TPHA is a specific test for Treponema Pallidum specific test. All positive VDRL test results, however, should be validated by a TPHA test.

Dr Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 29th November 2021

VDRL test stands for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test. The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is used to determine whether or not someone has been infected with the bacteria that causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease. This test detects the pathogens Treponema pallidum in the blood. This test is merely indicative; if it is positive, a second blood test must be performed to confirm a syphilis diagnosis.

What is the VDRL test used For?What is Syphilis?What is the purpose of the VDRL test?How to prepare for the VDRL test?When is VDRL Test Done?Is the VDRL test a definitive test?What are the risks of VDRL test?How to read the test reports?What affects the VDRL test results?Frequently Asked Questions

Request a Call Back

Call us:

+91 80619 70525

What is the VDRL test used For?

VDRL test is used to check for the presence of syphilis. Treponema pallidum is the organism that causes syphilis. If you have signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted illness, your doctor may recommend this test (STI).

Book VDRL Test Now

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes a sexually transmitted disease. Contact with an infected individual can transfer the virus by oral, vaginal, or anal routes. Direct touch with syphilis sore can also spread it. Treponema pallidum is the organism that causes syphilis. Primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis are the three phases of syphilis.

What is the purpose of the VDRL test?

The purpose of this test is to detect syphilis antibodies in the body. This aids in the detection of syphilis infection. This test is performed if you are at risk of contracting syphilis, such as if you have a sexual partner who has the disease, if you have other STDs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or HIV infection, if you have many sexual contacts, if you are pregnant, and so on. This test may be indicated if you have symptoms such as a sore (chancre) in the vaginal region or on the throat, an itchless reddish-brown rash on the palms and soles of your feet, fever, swollen lymph glands, bodily pains, and a sore throat.

VDRL test procedure?

The VDRL test checks for Syphilis in your blood.

The VDRL test does not require an overnight fast.
During the blood test, a phlebotomist will insert a needle into your vein to collect blood. Your blood sample will be collected in a vial or test tube and sent to the lab for further analysis. Like any blood test, you may feel a sting when the needle is injected into your arm, but the pain goes away immediately.
A certified Lab Technician (LT) will analyze your blood sample using state of the art technology.
Your blood report will be updated on the MFine app within the next 48 hours after blood sample collection.

How to prepare for the VDRL test?

Before test	During test
It is not mandatory to fast for 8-10 hours before the test.	There might be slight pain and bruising on the arm from where the blood is collected. However, these symptoms will go away quickly

Book VDRL Test Now

Things to do after the VDRL test?

Don’t use a bandage or tape to conceal the area.
Take care not to scratch or rub it.
Use a cool cloth on the irritated spot if it itches.
You can wash and dry your arm gently.

When is VDRL Test Done?

If a person exhibits signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, a test is conducted. It’s a simple test that’s done during pregnancy to see if you’re at risk of contracting syphilis.

The following are examples of possible symptoms:

A minor sore that causes no discomfort.
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the region of the sore
A rash on the skin that does not itch.

What happens if a VDRL test results in a positive result?

If you have a positive test result, you may have syphilis. If the test is positive, an FTA-ABS test, which is a more specific syphilis test, should be used to confirm the results. The ability of the VDRL test to identify syphilis is dependent on the disease’s stage.

How long does it take to get the VDRL test results?

Once the test samples are collected, it is sent to the lab of your choice for further testing. After the testing is completed, the VDRL test results will be available on the app for download within the next 24-48 hours.

Book VDRL Test Now

Is the VDRL test a definitive test?

VDRL is not a definitive test but an indicative test.

What are the risks of VDRL test?

Blood draws may result in:

discomfort or soreness in the area of the injection
rapid bruising or bleeding following the operation
dizziness
giddiness

How to read the test reports?

The reference range may differ depending on your gender, age, medical history, and current condition, among other factors.

If your VDRL test results are negative, it could mean that you are free of infection. Antibodies are not detectable for several weeks following bacterial contact. As a result, after a few weeks, repeat the test for confirmation.

If your test results come back positive, it’s possible that you have syphilis. HIV, pneumonia, TB, Lyme disease, malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus, IV drug usage, and other conditions might cause false-positive test findings.

If you receive unexpected test results, see your doctor right away. Depending on your situation, your doctor may suggest additional tests.

Gender	Age groups	Value
MALE	All age groups	Antibodies are present in positive cases
FEMALE	All age groups	Antibodies are present in positive cases

What affects the VDRL test results?

The ability of the VDRL test to identify syphilis is dependent on the disease’s stage. During the middle stages of the disease, the test’s sensitivity to detect syphilis approaches 100%; it is less sensitive during the early and later phases. A false-positive test can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including HIV/AIDS or it may be due to a person who produces antibodies that “fool” the syphilis test.

Book VDRL Test Now

Where to get the VDRL test done?

Book VDRL test online from certified lab partners in your city through the MFine app and get the test done at home.

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹275

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹275

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹275

Metropolis Healthcare

Starting at

₹275

For further assistance

Call to book your diagnostic test

Call 08061931415

Get a callback from MFine

Call Me Back

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

What causes syphilis?

The bacterium Treponema pallidum is responsible for syphilis. Contact with an infected person’s sore during sexual intercourse is the most prevalent way that syphilis is spread. Small cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes allow bacteria to enter the body.

What are the preparations for the VDRL test?

Before your VDRL Test, consult your physician if you’re taking any medications, have any allergies, or have any underlying medical issues. Depending on your situation, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the VDRL Test. This test does not necessitate any special preparation.

Can we conduct a VDRL test at home?

Yes, a certified professional will collect your sample from your preferred location when you book the tests through MFine, you can then download the results from the MFine app.

What are the reasons for potential positive or negative results?

Factors that influence false positive or negative results are:

Tuberculosis
HIV
Lyme disease
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Malaria
Certain types of pneumonia
Used IV drug

Can a VDRL test detect HIV?

VDRL is used to detect an immunological response to the treponema pallidum bacteria, which causes syphilis.

When to avoid the VDRL test?

There is no specific reason to avoid the VDRL test.

What is the difference between the VDRL and the TPHA tests?

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) is an acronym for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory.

Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA) is an acronym for Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination.

Both tests are used to diagnose syphilis. VDRL, is a non-specific screening test, whereas TPHA is a specific test for Treponema Pallidum specific test.

All positive VDRL test results, however, should be validated by a TPHA test.