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

The VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. It detects antibodies produced by the body in response to syphilis infection. Syphilis progresses through four stages in the body: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Soon after infection, a painless sore occurs (primary stage) followed by skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or mouth sores (secondary stage). Eventually, symptoms disappear even though the infection remains in the body (latent stage). After a few years, it can progress to damage the brain, nerves, heart, eyes, and other organs (tertiary stage). The VDRL test is commonly recommended for people with symptoms of syphilis, those who may have been exposed, pregnant women during routine antenatal care, and individuals at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections. The VDRL test involves a simple blood test and does not need fasting. Since it is a screening test, a reactive result should be followed up with a confirmatory test for syphilis diagnosis. Syphilis is a highly treatable disease in the initial stages, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment are of the utmost importance to prevent late-stage complications.

The VDRL test is recommended in the following situations:

• Symptoms suggestive of syphilis: Symptoms suggestive of the primary, secondary, latent and tertiary stages
• 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.

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

• No fasting or special preparation is needed, and the VDRL test can be taken at any time of day.
• Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, along with recent vaccinations or existing conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders like lupus, since these can sometimes influence the result.
• If you are pregnant or think you might be, be sure to mention this as well. Pregnancy can occasionally cause a false-positive VDRL result. Should syphilis be diagnosed during pregnancy, prompt treatment is important to protect both mother and baby.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• After choosing a suitable vein in your inner arm, the phlebotomist will clean the area with an antiseptic swab and then insert a needle to obtain the required amount of blood sample in a sterile tube (venepuncture). This may cause a brief pinprick and mild discomfort.
• Then the needle will be removed, mild pressure will be applied, and then a small bandage will be placed.
• Tell the phlebotomist if you have a fear of needles or have fainted during a blood test before. They can help make the procedure more comfortable, such as having you lie down. Taking slow, deep breaths, looking away from the needle, talking to someone, or listening to music may also help you stay relaxed.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test

• The sample is taken to the diagnostic laboratory and processed. Once the results are available, they are uploaded to the PharmEasy website, from where you can download them.
• Let the bandage stay for a few hours so that the site heals properly.
• Do not lift heavy objects or exercise with the arm where the blood draw was done, to reduce the chance of bruising or bleeding.
• You may discuss the report with your doctor for the interpretation of your results.

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

Venepuncture usually causes minimal side effects. But it is possible for patients to experience some of the following:

Minor side effects

• Minor bruising and haematoma, rash and skin irritation, soreness, and light-headedness.

Serious side effects

• Bacterial infection of the skin (cellulitis), inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), abnormal sweating (diaphoresis), low blood pressure (hypotension), and temporary loss of consciousness (syncope).
• If a patient experiences any symptoms that do not subside or are out of the ordinary, they should see a doctor immediately.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• False-positive results: Acute infections such as malaria, pneumonia, HIV, and tuberculosis, chronic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, leprosy, and rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors such as recent vaccinations, pregnancy, and older age can cause reactive results without syphilis infection.
• False-negative results: Testing within the first 3 to 4 weeks after infection (before antibody levels rise enough to detect), reduced sensitivity in tertiary syphilis (where antibody levels decline), and very high antibody concentrations can cause non-reactive results despite active infection.
• Diagnostic and technical drawbacks : The VDRL test measures antibodies rather than the bacterium itself, making confirmatory tests mandatory. Also, it cannot determine the stage of syphilis infection.

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

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

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

• Dispur
• Ganeshguri
• Beltola
• Six Mile
• Pan Bazaar
• Paltan Bazaar
• Bharalumukh
• Ulubari
• Zoo Road
• Chandmari
• Fatasil Ambari
• Narengi
• Pandu
• Panjabari
• Noonmati
• Maligaon
• Jalukbari
• Kahilipara
• Hatigaon
• Lokhra

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