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

The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. During the early stages of the infection, individuals may develop symptoms such as a painless sore in the mouth or genital area, skin rashes all over the body, enlarged lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may improve or disappear over time even without treatment, but this does not necessarily mean the infection has resolved. In some cases, syphilis can remain in the body without causing noticeable symptoms for an extended period and may continue to be transmitted unknowingly. If left untreated, the infection can gradually progress and potentially affect important organs such as the brain, heart, eyes, and nervous system. The VDRL test works by identifying antibodies produced by the immune system in response to syphilis rather than detecting the bacteria directly. If you have symptoms suggestive of syphilis, if you have been exposed to the infection, if you are pregnant, or if you have undergone treatment for syphilis, you may be advised this test. As syphilis is easily treatable in the earlier stages, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial.

• 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 who may have a greater chance 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 site of infection.
• 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?

• Before the VDRL test, you may follow your regular diet. Fasting is not necessary for this test. It can also be done at any time of the day.
• Your healthcare provider 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 visit your home at the scheduled time.
• Once you are seated, they will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. This is usually on the inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.
• Once the vein is located, they will clean and disinfect the area.
• They will then insert a small needle into your vein to take a blood sample. This may feel like a small pinch.
• After they insert the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube.
• Once they have enough blood to test, they will remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the site to stop any bleeding.
• They will place a bandage over the blood draw site. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test?

Mild throbbing at the site may be felt after the blood is drawn. The sample will be sent to the lab to be analysed. Your test results should be available within a few hours, which you can access from the PharmEasy platform.

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 produced by the immune system in response to syphilis infection. Since these antibodies can remain in the body for an extended period, the test may help identify the possibility of 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 test is generally considered a safe and routine procedure with minimal risks involved. The test only requires a small blood sample that is routinely performed by phlebotomists.
• As with any blood sample collection procedure, some individuals may experience minor and temporary effects, such as mild pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site, slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or light-headedness. In some cases, locating a suitable vein may take slightly longer, making sample collection a little more challenging. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve on their own without requiring medical attention.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• In the very early stages of primary syphilis or during the late latent stages, the body may not have enough antibodies. This can cause the test to show a non-reactive result despite an active infection.
• The VDRL test is not used for confirmation of syphilis as it can sometimes yield false-positives. It is only used for screening for syphilis.
• The VDRL test cannot determine the infective status 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).
• Laboratories may have slightly different reference values.

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).

In Nagpur, a VDRL test at PharmEasy is typically available at around INR 249. The cost may vary depending on factors such as the diagnostic lab and regional pricing differences. For a clearer comparison, you can check VDRL test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Dharampeth
• Ramdaspeth
• Civil Lines
• Seminary Hills
• Sitabuldi
• Mahal
• Itwari
• Laxmi Nagar
• Panchsheel Nagar
• Parvati Nagar
• Khamla
• Manish Nagar
• Manewada
• Ganjipeth
• Vayusena Nagar
• Besa
• Sonegaon
• Bagadganj
• Jaripatka
• Mankapur

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