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

PharmEasy Labs is on a mission to make high-quality diagnostic services available to all at low prices. The labs invest in modern technology to guarantee accuracy and are manned by trained technicians. Pathologists verify the reports, and after that those are emailed to the users.  All tests, including the VDRL test, are available at huge discounts.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, and the infection is caused by the bacterium called Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). Our body produces antibodies to fight off bacteria or other germs that may cause infection. When the T. pallidum enters the body the immune system produces antibodies to get rid of the invading bacteria.

The VDRL test does not look for the bacterium that causes syphilis. Instead, this test looks for antibodies in the blood made by the immune system due to syphilis infection. If the VDRL test result is negative, you do not have syphilis antibodies in your blood. That means you don't have syphilis.

If the test result shows positive, you may (not definitely) have syphilis. In that case, a treponemal test should be done to confirm your positive report. A treponemal test checks if your immune system has produced specific antibodies against the syphilis-causing bacteria (T. pallidum).

Symptoms of syphilis vary according to the stage of the disease. In the first stage, a hard, small, round sore appears on the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals, vagina, rectum, lips or mouth at the site where the bacteria entered. Whereas, In the second stage, non-itchy rashes or lesions appear. The person with syphilis may experience the symptoms of-

• Muscle ache
• Pain in the liver
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Hair loss.
• Fatigue, fever

Then, there is a symptom-free latent phase for 10 to 30 years before the last stage occurs. This final stage, or tertiary syphilis, can damage the brain, liver, nerves, eyes, or heart. Syphilis passes from person to person through direct contact with the sores. It can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth and sometimes while nursing.  Syphilis is curable if it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

Some of the factors for which a doctor would recommend a VDRL test if someone-

• Is experiencing  the symptoms of syphilis
• Has recently undergone syphilis treatment
• Suspect's exposure to syphilis infection
• Is currently being treated for another sexually  transmitted infection(STI), such as gonorrhoea
• Engages in sexual activity without using condoms
• Has HIV

This test is recommended for pregnant women as a part of routine check-ups.

A VDRL test helps to diagnose syphilis infection. A positive VDRL test indicates that the person is infected with the bacterium T. pallidum. Syphilis can be effectively cured if diagnosed and treated in the early stages, sometimes with a single shot of an antibiotic called penicillin. Without treatment, it can damage the heart, the blood vessels, the brain, and the nervous system.

Symptoms of neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis include headache, paralysis, dementia, difficulty coordinating muscles, and a change in behaviour. If left untreated, tertiary syphilis can occur decades after the initial infection. Tertiary syphilis is very serious and can be life-threatening.

If you think you are experiencing any symptoms of syphilis, contact your doctor right away.

For the VDRL test, no fasting is required. You can have normal meals as per your daily routine. However, if your doctor has prescribed other tests along with the VDRL test, you may need to fast as per the requirements.

During the VDRL Test

To collect a sample of your blood, a phlebotomist from PharmEasy Labs will reach your home as per your selected time slot. Our phlebotomists use vein finders to accurately locate that vein in your arm which is best suited for drawing blood. The process will be painless.