Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test In Ahmedabad - Price & Details

The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The test detects antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection rather than directly identifying the bacteria itself. It helps healthcare providers identify a possible infection and monitor treatment response when needed. Doctors may recommend a VDRL test if you have symptoms associated with syphilis, such as sores, skin rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, if you have been exposed to someone with the infection, or as part of routine STI screening. The test may also be advised during pregnancy or before certain medical procedures. The procedure is simple and involves collecting a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. Usually, no special preparation or fasting is required before the test. Since the VDRL is a screening test, positive results may require additional confirmatory testing. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results based on your symptoms, history, and other diagnostic findings.

Your doctor may advise this test if you notice any of the following symptoms or physical changes:

• A painless, smooth, hard sore in the genitals or mouth
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Rashes all over the body which may not itch
• Wart-like sores
• Muscle aches
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pregnant women will be screened for syphilis at the first prenatal visit since syphilis can cause severe health problems in babies. It is important to receive treatment right away if you have syphilis.
• Individuals with multiple or new partners and those who have had unprotected sexual encounters.
• Individuals recently diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea, as these may coexist.
• To monitor treatment progress for syphilis. After treatment with antibiotics, the levels of syphilis antibodies should fall. Unchanged or rising levels can mean a persistent infection.

The VDRL test is not a routine test for everyone. Its frequency depends on your risk profile, whether you have been diagnosed with syphilis, and whether you are pregnant.

• Primary syphilis – The earliest stage of syphilis infection that typically develops after exposure, usually characterised by the appearance of a single painless sore (chancre) at the site where the bacteria entered the body.
• Secondary syphilis – Infection spreads throughout the body.
• Latent syphilis – Infection remains in the body without noticeable symptoms.
• Tertiary syphilis – An advanced stage that can affect organs such as the heart, brain, nerves, and eyes if left untreated.
• Congenital syphilis – Syphilis passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy.

Important note: A positive VDRL result must always be confirmed with a treponemal test before a diagnosis of syphilis is made. Always share your results with a medical professional.

What to Expect Before the VDRL Test?

No fasting or dietary restrictions are required for this test, so you can continue eating and drinking as usual before sample collection. However, inform your doctor about any prescription medications you are taking, recent vaccinations, or existing conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or pregnancy, as these factors may sometimes influence the initial screening results.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection?

• A trained phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the scheduled appointment time for sample collection.
• You will be asked to sit comfortably while the phlebotomist identifies a suitable vein, typically on the inner side of your arm near the elbow.
• The selected area will be cleaned and disinfected.
• A sterile needle will then be gently inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief pinching sensation.
• A small amount of blood will be collected into a sample tube.
• Once the required sample has been collected, the needle will be removed, and gentle pressure will be applied using cotton or gauze to help stop any bleeding.
• A small bandage will be placed over the collection site after the procedure is completed.
• The blood collection process is quick and generally takes only a few minutes.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test?

The sample will then be sent to a lab to be analysed. Your test results should be available within a few hours.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

VDRL antibody screening: This test checks for protective proteins (antibodies) that your body naturally produces when it comes into contact with the bacteria that cause syphilis. It tells you whether the antibodies are present, not how many.

The primary marker evaluated is the presence of reactive antibodies in your blood sample.

Important note: A reactive VDRL result does not prove syphilis; it must always be followed up with a confirmatory treponemal test. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.

Potential Risks and Complications

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• The VDRL test's ability to detect syphilis depends on the stage of the disease. The test is highly sensitive in detecting syphilis during the secondary and latent stages; it is less sensitive during the earlier and later stages.
• Results must be confirmed with another blood test to make the diagnosis of syphilis.
• This test cannot give an opinion in regards to the infective status of the patient with syphilis.
• Some conditions may cause a false-positive VDRL test, including hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, certain types of pneumonia, malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and some other autoimmune disorders.
• The body does not always produce antibodies specifically in response to the syphilis bacteria, so this test is not always accurate.
• Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

If your screening returns a reactive status, your doctor will order confirmatory tests, such as the TPHA (treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) or FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed) test. These specific tests look directly for the bacteria's specific footprint to confidently rule out false-positive results and map an accurate care path.

The VDRL test is available at a price of INR 249 in Ahmedabad.

Refer to the table below to compare the cost of the VDRL test across different cities.

You can book VDRL Test in Ahmedabad through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Satellite
• Bodakdev
• Science City
• Navrangpura
• Paldi
• Naranpura
• Ambawadi
• Prahlad Nagar
• Isanpur
• Thaltej
• Bopal
• Ranip
• Gota
• Chandkheda
• Motera
• Shahibaug
• Maninagar
• Naroda
• Nikol
• Vastral

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pincode.