Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test (VDRL) In Kanpur

The venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This infection has multiple stages and presents with a range of symptoms specific to each stage. In the early stages, a painless sore in the mouth or genital area, skin rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms may occur. These symptoms may disappear over time without treatment; however, the infection remains in the body. This stage can continue for an extended period, during which the infection is often transmitted unknowingly. The infection can then progress and affect vital organs such as the brain, heart, eyes, and nervous system. If you have symptoms suggestive of syphilis, have been exposed to the infection, are pregnant, or have undergone treatment for syphilis, you may be advised to have this test. As syphilis is easily treatable in the earlier stages, timely diagnosis with the VDRL test is crucial for treating the infection, avoiding transmission, and reducing the possibility of long-term complications to major organs. PharmEasy Labs usually provide VDRL test results in about 13 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Kanpur.

You may be advised to undergo a VDRL test if you have symptoms that may suggest syphilis, such as painless sores or ulcers on the genitals, mouth, skin, or anus, swollen lymph nodes, non-itchy skin rashes, wart-like growths, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, vision changes, or hair loss. The test may also be recommended if you have symptoms affecting the heart, nervous system, eyes, liver, or other organs that may indicate advanced syphilis.

The VDRL test may also be advised if:

• You are pregnant, as routine syphilis screening is commonly recommended during prenatal care, with repeat testing in higher-risk cases.
• You have had contact with someone diagnosed with syphilis.
• You have an increased likelihood of STI exposure, such as having new or multiple partners or unprotected sexual contact.
• You have been diagnosed with other STIs, such as HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea.
• You are receiving treatment for syphilis, as the test may be used to monitor treatment response and changes in antibody levels over time.

The recommended frequency of VDRL testing can vary based on individual health needs, risk factors, and medical advice:

• During pregnancy: Testing is commonly advised during the first prenatal visit. In individuals with a higher likelihood of exposure, repeat testing may be recommended during the third trimester.
• Individuals with ongoing exposure risk: Those at higher risk of STI exposure may be advised to undergo testing every 3 to 6 months, depending on their healthcare provider’s recommendation.
• Monitoring after syphilis treatment: Follow-up VDRL testing may be advised at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment to assess recovery and monitor changes in antibody levels over time.

• Primary syphilis: Occurs soon after contracting syphilis. A painless sore (chancre) develops at the infection site.
• Secondary syphilis: Infection spreads throughout the body with the appearance of non-itchy rashes and flu-like symptoms.
• 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 or childbirth.

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?

• The VDRL test does not require special preparation, such as fasting, unless it is done alongside other tests that require it. The sample can be collected at any time of day.
• Choosing clothing that allows easy access to your arm can make the blood draw process smoother.
• Your doctor should be informed about all medications, supplements, recent vaccinations, pregnancy status, autoimmune disorders, or other STIs you may have, as these may affect the results and interpretation of the VDRL test.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection?

• The phlebotomist will confirm your details before starting the procedure.
• A vein, usually in the inner elbow or forearm, is selected, and an elastic band is applied above it to make the vein easier to access.
• The skin is then cleaned with an antiseptic swab to prevent infection, and a sterile needle is inserted to draw blood into a collection tube.
• You may feel a brief pinch during needle insertion and mild pressure as blood is drawn.
• Once sufficient blood is collected, the tourniquet is removed, the needle is withdrawn, and gentle pressure is applied with cotton or gauze to stop any bleeding, followed by a bandage over the site.
• The entire process usually takes just a few minutes.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test?

• The collection tube is labelled with your details and stored appropriately before being taken to the lab for testing.
• Slight bruising or tenderness at the site is normal and typically resolves within a day or two.
• It is advisable to keep the bandage on for a few hours and avoid heavy lifting with that arm for a short time afterwards.

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 parameter measures antibodies the immune system produces in response to syphilis infection. Because these antibodies can remain in the body for an extended period, the test may help identify a current or past 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

The VDRL test is a simple blood test with minimal risk.

• Common risks: Minor pain, bruising, slight bleeding at the site, mild light-headedness
• Less common risks: Fainting, haematoma (larger bruising/swelling), difficulty locating a vein
• Rare risks: Infection, nerve injury, excessive bleeding, phlebitis, vein inflammation

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• This test may not be able to detect syphilis infection in the very early stages of syphilis or in the late stages due to a lack of detectable antibodies.
• This test cannot be used for confirmation of syphilis as it can sometimes cause false positives. Hence, it is only used for screening for syphilis.
• This test cannot determine the infective status or the stage of syphilis.
• Many other conditions, such as HIV, hepatitis C, Lyme disease, malaria, some forms of pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other autoimmune disorders, may sometimes give a reactive (positive) result, even when syphilis is not present (false-positive).
• Different laboratories may have slightly different reference values; therefore, comparing values between tests done in different laboratories may cause inaccuracies.

Since the VDRL test is a screening test, if the result is reactive or positive, your doctor may advise additional confirmatory tests such as:

• TPHA (treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay).
• FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption).

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

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

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

• Swaroop Nagar
• Kakadeo
• Govind Nagar
• Barra
• Kidwai Nagar
• Kalyanpur
• Panki
• Civil Lines
• Rawatpur
• Shyam Nagar
• Shastri Nagar
• Saket Nagar
• Ashok Nagar
• Indira Nagar
• Jajmau
• Armapur
• Lal Bangla
• Munshipurwa
• Ratan Lal Nagar
• Naubasta

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