Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test in Noida - Price & Details

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory testing, also known as the VDRL test, is a screening test that detects antibodies produced in response to syphilis infection in the body. It involves a simple blood test, which can be done at any time of the day and requires no fasting or any other preparation. Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. You can contract syphilis from an infected person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex; it can also pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. The VDRL test detects non-specific markers called reagin antibodies, which the immune system releases when syphilis causes tissue damage. Healthcare providers prescribe this test as an initial screening for patients presenting with syphilis-related signs, including genital sores, rashes across the palms and soles, or enlarged lymph nodes. The test is also included as part of antenatal care, because untreated syphilis in the mother can lead to serious complications in the baby and issues during delivery. VDRL screening may also be requested before surgical procedures or blood donations to rule out infection risk. If the test result is reactive, follow-up confirmatory testing may be advised as the VDRL method can sometimes yield false-positive results.

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

• People showing symptoms: Genital sores or ulcers, a rash spreading across the palms and soles, enlarged lymph nodes.
• Expectant mothers: As a part of routine antenatal testing and care, as untreated syphilis in pregnancy may lead to stillbirth or congenital syphilis in the newborn.
• Adults with higher exposure risk: Those with high risk factors such as multiple sexual partners, a history of unprotected intercourse, or a prior STI diagnosis.
• Blood donors: To ensure that infection does not spread through blood transfusion from an infected person.
• Partners of syphilis-positive individuals: Syphilis can spread easily through sexual contact.
• Couples planning marriage: Though not legally mandated in India, many couples choose VDRL testing voluntarily during premarital check-ups to support open communication and informed choices.
• Job applicants in select sectors: Healthcare roles, food handling positions, and overseas employment often include VDRL testing 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:

• Low-risk individuals: For those undergoing marriage or pre-employment checks, VDRL testing is done just once, unless new risk factors occur later in life.
• During pregnancy: Screening once in the first trimester as part of standard antenatal care. A repeat test in the third trimester may be advised if risk factors such as multiple partners, known exposure, or a prior STI are present.
• Following syphilis treatment: Testing is generally scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment to track declining antibody titres and confirm the infection has resolved.
• Higher-risk groups: Individuals with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, those who are HIV-positive, or partners of syphilis-positive individuals are usually advised to test annually or more often.
• Blood donors: Each donation cycle includes VDRL screening as a routine safety measure.

• 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

• This test can be done without fasting, has no diet restrictions, and can be done at any time of the day.
• You may wear comfortable and loose clothing that allows easy access to the inner arm to make the blood draw process easier.
• Letting your doctor know about current medications, supplements, pregnancy status, recent vaccinations, and medical conditions is crucial, as these details can occasionally affect result interpretation, repeat testing, additional investigations, and treatment protocol.
• Inform your phlebotomist if you are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• The phlebotomist will clean the blood draw site, usually on the inner side of the arm near the elbow, with an antiseptic swab to reduce infection risk. A tourniquet band will be tied above the elbow, making the vein easier to access. You may be asked to make a gentle, non-tensed fist and to remain stable during the procedure.
• A small needle will be inserted into the selected site. It involves a brief, mild discomfort similar to a pinprick. Once the blood starts flowing, you may relax your hand. The blood will be collected into a tube.
• Once the required amount of blood is collected, the needle is removed and mild pressure is applied to the site. A small bandage is then applied to the site to help with clotting.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test

• Normal activities may be resumed after the procedure.
• Slight soreness or mild bruising at the puncture site is common but generally wanes within a day.
• Reports are usually ready in a few hours. If the result is reactive, your doctor may recommend a confirmatory test, such as TPHA or FTA-ABS, to establish a definitive diagnosis before proceeding with 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 carries minimal risk overall.
• Brief stinging during the needle prick, slight bruising, or tenderness are common and usually improve within a couple of days.
• Fainting, light-headedness, or infection at the site can occur sometimes.
• Rarely, some individuals may have excessive bleeding, especially if they are on blood-thinning medication or have bleeding disorders.
• Occasionally, a haematoma, a raised bruise caused by blood collecting under the skin, may develop as well.
• Most of these risks are minor and resolve on their own without treatment.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

• The VDRL test detects non-specific antibodies rather than the bacterium itself. Hence, a reactive result can’t confirm syphilis and requires confirmatory tests such as TPHA or FTA-ABS.
• Lupus, HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria, and pregnancy can cause false-positive results.
• False-negative results can occur in the early stages of infection before antibody levels have increased sufficiently in the serum. In later stages of syphilis, antibody titres naturally reduce over time, leading to false negatives (25-30% of tertiary syphilis cases).
• Prozone effect: unusually high antibody concentrations can give a false-negative result.
• Cross-reactivity with infections such as yaws or pinta means the test is not always able to distinguish these from true syphilis.
• Reference ranges may differ slightly across 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 Noida.

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

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

• Sector 18
• Sector 34
• Sector 37
• Sector 50
• Sector 51
• Sector 52
• Sector 61
• Sector 62
• Sector 63
• Sector 75
• Sector 137
• Sector 101
• Sector 108
• Sector 122
• Sector 135
• Sector 142
• Sector 82
• Sector 92
• Sector 110
• Noida phase 2

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