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

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. Instead of detecting the bacteria directly, the test identifies reagin antibodies—non-specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to tissue damage caused by the infection. The VDRL test is commonly recommended for people with symptoms suggestive of syphilis, such as painless genital sores, skin rashes involving the palms and soles, or swollen lymph nodes. It is also routinely performed during pregnancy to help identify and treat maternal infection early, reducing the risk of transmission to the baby and pregnancy-related complications. In some situations, the test may be advised before surgery or blood donation as part of routine screening. The VDRL test requires only a blood sample and generally does not require fasting or any special preparation. Since it is a screening test, a reactive result does not confirm syphilis. Additional confirmatory tests are usually recommended because VDRL results may occasionally be reactive in conditions other than syphilis.

The VDRL test is advised for anyone with possible syphilis exposure or symptoms suggestive of the infection:

• People who have genital sores or ulcers, a rash spreading across the palms and soles, enlarged lymph nodes.
• In pregnant women, as part of routine antenatal testing and care; untreated syphilis in pregnancy may lead to stillbirth or congenital syphilis in the newborn.
• Those with high-risk factors such as multiple sexual partners, a history of unprotected intercourse, or a prior STI diagnosis.
• Testing may be required before blood donation to ensure that infection is not transmitted through blood transfusion from an infected person.
• Partners of syphilis-positive individuals, as syphilis can spread easily through sexual contact.
• Though not legally mandated in India, many couples choose VDRL testing voluntarily during premarital check-ups to support open communication and informed choices.
• Testing may be required before certain job applications in domains such as healthcare and food, and often before overseas employment as part of the medical fitness evaluation.

Detecting syphilis early makes treatment considerably more effective, making timely screening crucial.

Testing frequency depends largely on individual risk factors and clinical circumstances:

• Syphilis (primary use): The VDRL test primarily screens for antibodies linked to syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. It can indicate infection across different stages, including primary, secondary, and latent syphilis. VDRL can be reactive in tertiary syphilis, but it is less sensitive at this stage.
• Congenital syphilis: In newborns, the test can help detect infection passed from mother to child during pregnancy, particularly when maternal screening was reactive.
• 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 is needed. Food and beverages do not affect antibody levels.
• Tell your doctor about any recent illnesses, vaccinations, antibiotic or other medication use, and pregnancy status. According to the CDC syphilis treatment guidelines, false-positive VDRL test results can be associated with multiple conditions unrelated to syphilis, including autoimmune conditions, vaccinations, injection drug use, pregnancy, older age, and other infections. Current penicillin treatment for another condition could affect results. Your doctor needs this context to read your results accurately.
• You may wear comfortable and loose clothing that allows easy access to the inner arm to make the blood draw process easier.
• Inform your phlebotomist if you are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• The phlebotomist will first clean the area where the blood sample will be taken, usually the inside of your elbow, using an antiseptic swab. A tourniquet will then be placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible. You may be asked to gently clench your fist and keep your arm still during the procedure.
• A sterile needle will be inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample. You may experience a brief pinprick or mild stinging sensation as the needle is inserted. The blood will be collected into a sample tube, after which you can relax your hand.
• After the required amount of blood has been collected, the needle will be removed. Gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site to minimise bleeding, and a small adhesive bandage will be placed over the area.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test

• You can usually return to your normal daily activities immediately after the blood sample is collected.
• Mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising at the blood draw site may occur but typically resolves on its own within a day or two.
• Test results are generally available within a few hours. If the VDRL result is reactive, your doctor may advise a confirmatory test, such as TPHA or FTA-ABS, to confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment.

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

• The VDRL blood test is generally considered safe and carries very little risk.
• You may experience a brief pinprick, mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising at the blood draw site, which usually settles within a few days.
• Some people may feel light-headed or faint during or shortly after the blood sample is collected. Although uncommon, there is also a small risk of infection at the puncture site.
• Rarely, excessive bleeding may occur, particularly in people taking blood-thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders.
• In some cases, a haematoma (a small collection of blood beneath the skin) may develop, causing a raised bruise at the needle insertion site.
• These side effects are usually mild, temporary, and resolve without the need for specific treatment.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• The VDRL test is a screening test that detects reagin antibodies produced in response to tissue damage caused by syphilis, rather than identifying the bacterium itself. Therefore, a reactive result should be confirmed with specific tests such as TPHA or FTA-ABS.
• Certain conditions, including pregnancy, lupus, HIV infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and malaria, may occasionally cause false-positive VDRL results.
• False-negative results may occur if the test is performed very early in the infection, before enough antibodies have been produced. In late-stage syphilis, antibody levels may naturally decline, which can also result in a false-negative test.
• Rarely, very high levels of antibodies may interfere with the test (known as the prozone effect), leading to a false-negative result.
• The VDRL test may also react to infections such as yaws and pinta, making it difficult to distinguish them from syphilis without confirmatory testing.
• Reference ranges and reporting methods may vary slightly between laboratories.

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 hemagglutination assay).
• FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption) testing.

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

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

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

• Gomti Nagar
• Indira Nagar
• Aliganj
• Mahanagar
• Hazratganj
• Aminabad
• Chowk
• Jankipuram
• Vikas Nagar
• Rajajipuram
• Alambagh
• Ashiyana
• SGPGI
• Chinhat
• Kalyanpur
• Sushant Golf City
• Vrindavan Yojna
• Krishna Nagar
• Nirala Nagar
• Charbagh

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