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

The VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. Syphilis develops in four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Early stages may cause a painless sore, skin rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, while the latent stage may have no symptoms at all. If left untreated, the infection can progress to the tertiary stage and damage the brain, nerves, heart, eyes, and other organs. The VDRL test is commonly recommended for people with symptoms of syphilis, those who may have been exposed through sexual contact, pregnant women as part of routine antenatal care, and individuals undergoing certain pre-operative or routine health check-ups. Because it is a screening test, a reactive result does not always mean active syphilis and should be confirmed with a specific test, such as TPHA or FTA-ABS. The VDRL test requires only a blood sample and does not require fasting or any special preparation. Before the test, tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, recent vaccinations, or existing health conditions. Early testing and timely treatment with antibiotics can cure syphilis and help prevent serious complications.

The VDRL test is recommended in the following situations:

• Symptoms: Anyone with symptoms suggestive of syphilis (e.g., painless genital sore, rash, swollen lymph nodes).
• Exposure: People who have had sexual contact with someone diagnosed with syphilis.
• STI screening: Individuals undergoing evaluation or screening for other STIs, including HIV.
• Antenatal care: All pregnant women as part of routine antenatal care to prevent congenital syphilis in the baby.
• High risk of exposure: Those with high‑risk sexual behaviour (multiple partners, new partner, unprotected sexual practices, men who have sex with men, sex workers) and those who are sexually active in areas with a high incidence of syphilis.
• Routine screenings: Before certain surgeries, pre‑employment checks, or routine health screenings where STI testing is indicated.
• Treatment monitoring: Patients already treated for syphilis, to monitor treatment response (falling antibody levels).

Early testing and treatment can prevent serious complications and reduce the spread of syphilis.

• General sexually active adults: at least once a year, or sooner if you have a new partner or symptoms.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM): at least annually; every 3–6 months if you have multiple/anonymous partners or other ongoing risk.
• People living with HIV: at the first HIV evaluation and then at least annually; every 3–6 months if risk continues.
• Pregnant women: once at the first prenatal visit, if at higher risk for exposure, again around 28–32 weeks and at delivery.
• After a known exposure or if a partner tests positive: test as soon as possible, and repeat at 6 weeks and 3 months if the first test is negative.
• After treatment for syphilis: follow-up testing at 3, 6, and 12 months to confirm an adequate fall in antibody levels.

Your clinician may adjust timing based on your sexual practices, local syphilis rates, and pregnancy status.

• Syphilis (all stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary): VDRL is primarily a screening test for syphilis infection. It can be falsely negative in very early syphilis or very late (tertiary) disease, so confirmatory treponemal tests (e.g., FTA‑ABS, TP‑PA) are often required.
• Congenital syphilis: VDRL is used as part of screening in newborns and pregnant women to detect or rule out transmission from mother to baby.
• Treatment monitoring: Falling VDRL titres after therapy indicate effective treatment; stable or rising titres suggest treatment failure or reinfection.
• Yaws and other treponemal conditions: Since the test detects non-specific antibodies rather than the syphilis bacterium itself, it may also react to related treponemal infections such as yaws or pinta, which are caused by similar bacteria.

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

• There are no dietary restrictions before the test, and it can be done at any time of the day.
• Inform your doctor about current medications (especially antibiotics), recent vaccinations, existing medical conditions (particularly autoimmune disorders such as lupus) and whether you are pregnant (pregnancy can sometimes cause false-positive results).
• Wear loose, comfortable or short-sleeved clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood draw.
• Stay hydrated before the test, as this can make venepuncture easier.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• You will be asked to sit comfortably while the phlebotomist cleans the blood collection site, usually on the inner arm, with an antiseptic swab. An elastic tourniquet is then wrapped around the upper arm to make the vein more visible and easier to access.
• A small needle is inserted to draw the blood sample, which may cause a brief pinprick or mild sting. Once the required amount is collected, the needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
• If you are anxious, prone to feeling faint, or uneasy about needles, mention this to the phlebotomist beforehand. They can make adjustments, such as having you lie down during the draw, to help you feel more at ease.
• Staying relaxed can make the process smoother. Looking away from the needle, breathing slowly, or playing some music can help take the edge off.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test

• Gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site right after the blood draw, followed by a small bandage. Keeping the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours, or as advised, helps the site heal properly.
• For the rest of the day, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise with the affected arm to reduce the chance of bruising or bleeding.
• The collected sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory, where it is processed using specialised equipment. A qualified laboratory professional reviews the report before it is released, and your doctor will interpret the results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant test findings.

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: detects antibodies, which are protective proteins produced by your immune system in response to infection. Since antibodies associated with syphilis can remain in the body for an extended period, the test may help indicate a current or previous infection.

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

• Blood sample collection is a routine procedure and is generally very safe. Any side effects are usually mild and settle on their own. Some common side effects include mild pain, tenderness, slight bruising, or brief dizziness after the blood draw. Rarely, a haematoma (blood collecting under the skin), infection at the puncture site, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), or temporary nerve irritation may occur.
• Contact your doctor if you develop persistent pain, increasing redness or swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection at the blood draw site; however, these side effects are rare.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• The VDRL test detects antibodies produced in the body in response to tissue damage by syphilis rather than the microorganism that causes syphilis.
• False positives can occur with pregnancy, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or recent vaccinations.
• False negatives may occur if testing is done soon after infection (if antibodies have not risen to detectable levels), in late-stage syphilis, or in individuals with weakened immune systems. Rarely, very high antibody levels, known as the prozone phenomenon, can also cause false-negative results unless the sample is diluted and retested.
• A reactive VDRL result requires confirmation with a treponemal test, such as TPHA or FTA-ABS. The test also cannot determine the stage of infection, whether primary, secondary, latent, or tertiary.

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

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

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

• Patia
• Chandrasekharpur
• Jayadev Vihar
• Nayapalli
• Saheed Nagar
• Khandagiri
• Baramunda
• Rasulgarh
• Laxmisagar
• Ashok Nagar
• Old Town
• BJB Nagar
• Acharya Vihar
• Unit 6
• Unit 9
• IRC Village
• Badagada
• Mancheswar
• Aerodrome Area
• Dumduma

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