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

The VDRL test, short for venereal disease research laboratory test, is a blood screening method used to detect syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. Rather than identifying the bacteria directly, it detects reagin antibodies the body produces in response to tissue damage caused by the infection. Syphilis progresses through distinct stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each with different symptoms and antibody levels. VDRL can help detect infection across these stages, though its sensitivity varies, being highest during the secondary stage and comparatively lower in late tertiary syphilis. Doctors commonly recommend this test for individuals showing symptoms such as genital sores or rashes, those with possible exposure, and as part of routine antenatal screening, since untreated syphilis during pregnancy can affect the baby. The test involves a simple blood draw with no special preparation. A reactive result typically requires confirmation through a syphilis-specific test, such as TPHA or FTA-ABS.

The VDRL test is recommended in the following situations:

Symptoms suggestive of syphilis:

• Primary stage: A painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection.
• Secondary stage: A rash (especially on the palms and soles), swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, or patchy hair loss.
• Latent stage: Usually no symptoms, but the infection remains in the body.
• Tertiary stage: Symptoms affecting the brain, nerves, heart, eyes, or other organs if the infection is left untreated.

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 any special dietary requirements are needed for the VDRL test. It can be done at any time of the day.
• The test results can be affected by certain factors. Inform your doctor regarding all current medications (particularly antibiotics), recent immunisation, and whether you have any medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders like lupus)
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, as pregnancy can sometimes cause false-positive results. Also, if you have syphilis during pregnancy, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications in your baby.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• The phlebotomist will clean the blood draw site, usually on the inner arm, with an antiseptic swab. An elastic tourniquet is then wrapped around the upper arm to make the vein more visible. They may also gently tap on the vein.
• A small needle is inserted to draw the blood sample, which may cause a brief pinprick or mild sting. Once the required amount is collected in a tube, the needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
• If you are prone to fainting or have anxiety about needles, mention this to the phlebotomist before the sample collection. They can make the process more comfortable for you, such as doing the procedure while you are lying down instead of sitting up.
• You can try to stay calm and relaxed by breathing slowly, diverting your attention by talking with a friend or family member, or playing some music to make the process smoother.

What to Expect After the VDRL Test

• Keep the bandage on for a few hours to help the site heal properly.
• Refrain from lifting heavy objects or excessive exercise with the arm where the sample was collected, to reduce the chance of bruising or bleeding.
• The labelled tube is taken to the diagnostic laboratory, where it is processed. A qualified laboratory professional reviews the report before it is uploaded to the PharmEasy website.
• Contact 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

• Blood sample collection is generally safe, and complications are uncommon.
• The most common side effects are mild pain, slight bruising, or tenderness at the needle site.
• Some people may feel dizzy or faint during or after the blood draw.
• Rarely, a haematoma (blood collecting under the skin) or temporary nerve injury can occur, especially if the vein is difficult to access.
• In some cases, the blood sample may be damaged or unsuitable for testing during collection or transport. If this happens, you may be asked to provide another blood sample to ensure accurate results.

Understanding VDRL Test Limitations

False-Positive Results (reactive results without syphilis infection)

• Acute infections: Malaria, pneumonia, HIV, and tuberculosis.
• Chronic conditions: Systemic lupus erythematosus, leprosy, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Other factors: Recent vaccinations, pregnancy, and ageing.

False-Negative Results (non-reactive results even though syphilis is present)

• The first 3 to 4 weeks after infection before antibodies rise to detectable levels.
• Lower sensitivity and reduced antibody levels in tertiary syphilis.
• Very high antibody concentrations can cause false-negative results.

Diagnostic and Technical Drawbacks

• It measures antibodies rather than the bacterium itself, requiring mandatory confirmation via tests such as TPHA or FTA-ABS.
• It cannot determine whether an infection is primary, secondary, or latent.

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

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

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

• Arera Colony
• Shahpura
• Kolar Road
• Bawadia Kalan
• Bagmugalia
• Trilanga
• MP Nagar
• TT Nagar
• New Market
• Habibganj
• Misrod
• BHEL
• Awadhpuri
• Ayodhya Nagar
• Ashoka Garden
• Aish Bagh
• Kohefiza
• Gandhi Nagar
• Karond
• Bairagarh

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