Quick answer
The VDRL Test costs ₹150 at Live Line Health Care. A confidential blood screening test for syphilis, routine in pregnancy, where any reactive result is checked with a second, more specific test. No fasting is needed. It uses a blood sample and the report is usually ready the same day.
Also known as: Syphilis Test, Syphilis Blood Test, Syphilis Screening, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test, VDRL Slide Test, Non-treponemal Test
What is the VDRL Test?
The VDRL test is a simple blood test used to screen for syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is named after the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, where it was developed. Doctors order it for many ordinary reasons, including routine pregnancy check-ups and pre-marital or pre-employment screening, so being asked to take it says nothing about you as a person. The test does not look for the bacterium itself. It detects antibodies made during infection that react with a fat-like substance called cardiolipin.
Because those antibodies are not unique to syphilis, VDRL is a screening test and not a diagnosis. Pregnancy, autoimmune conditions and some other infections can give a reactive result in people who do not have syphilis. A reactive VDRL is therefore followed by a treponemal test such as TPHA, which looks for antibodies specific to the infection. Syphilis is curable with treatment prescribed by a doctor, and treating it early, particularly in pregnancy, prevents serious harm. Your report is treated as private medical information.
What it measures: Non-treponemal antibodies that react with a cardiolipin antigen, reported as Reactive or Non-reactive, with a titre when reactive.
Parameters included (2)
- VDRL: Reactive or Non-reactive
- Titre, if Reactive
Why is this test done?
- Routine screening in pregnancy, which protects the baby from congenital syphilis
- Pre-marital, pre-employment or pre-surgery screening
- A sore on the genitals or mouth, or an unexplained rash
- After a possible exposure, or when a partner has been diagnosed
- Following the titre over time to see how well treatment is working
When should you get tested?
- Often no symptoms at all, especially in the latent stage
- A firm sore on the genitals, anus or mouth that may not hurt
- A rash on the body, palms or soles
- Fever, sore throat, swollen glands or patchy hair loss
How to prepare for the VDRL Test
- 1Fasting is not needed for a VDRL.
- 2Tell the staff if you are pregnant, since pregnancy can affect how the result is read.
- 3Mention any past syphilis treatment and bring earlier reports, because titres are compared over time.
- 4Mention a recent fever, vaccination or autoimmune illness, as these can cause a false reactive result.
- 5Your result is private. Let the staff know if you would like it given to you alone.
VDRL Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| Expected result | Non-reactive |
| Reactive | Antibodies detected, reported with a titre such as 1:2, 1:8 or 1:32 |
| During follow-up | A fourfold fall in titre, for example 1:32 to 1:8, generally suggests a good response to treatment |
A higher second number in the titre means more antibody. Early infection can be non-reactive, and very high antibody levels can rarely give a falsely negative result, known as the prozone effect. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- A non-reactive result usually means active syphilis was not found. Antibodies can take a few weeks to appear after infection, so a repeat may be advised after a recent exposure.
- A reactive result is not a diagnosis, and low titres in particular can be false positives. Your doctor will arrange a treponemal test such as TPHA to confirm it.
- If syphilis is confirmed, your doctor will explain the treatment and whether a partner should be tested too.
- Treponemal tests usually stay positive for life, so VDRL titres are the ones used to follow treatment.
- In pregnancy, discuss a reactive result with your doctor without delay, because timely treatment can protect the baby.
Health packages that include this test
The VDRL Test is included in these full body checkups:
VDRL Test – FAQs
What is the price of the VDRL Test?
The VDRL Test costs ₹150 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres and for home sample collection.
What does VDRL reactive mean?
It means antibodies linked with syphilis were found in your blood, but it does not confirm the infection. Other conditions can cause the same result. Your doctor will look at the titre and order a confirmatory test such as TPHA before reaching any conclusion.
Can the VDRL test be falsely positive?
Yes. Pregnancy, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, recent infections or vaccinations, and sometimes ageing can make VDRL reactive without syphilis. This is common enough that a reactive result is always checked with a more specific test before any diagnosis is made.
What is the difference between VDRL and TPHA?
VDRL is a screening test that picks up non-specific antibodies, and its titre falls with successful treatment. TPHA detects antibodies aimed at the syphilis bacterium itself, so it confirms the diagnosis, but it usually stays positive for life, even after cure.
Why is VDRL done during pregnancy?
Untreated syphilis can pass to the baby and cause miscarriage, stillbirth or serious illness in the newborn. Screening is a routine part of antenatal care for every mother. If the infection is found, treatment during pregnancy can protect the baby.
Is syphilis curable if my VDRL is confirmed positive?
Yes. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, and penicillin is the usual choice. Follow-up VDRL titres then show whether treatment has worked. Early treatment prevents later complications affecting the heart, brain and nerves.
How soon after exposure can VDRL detect syphilis?
The test often turns reactive about 3 to 6 weeks after infection, so a sample taken sooner can be negative. If you are worried about a recent exposure, a doctor can advise when to test and whether a repeat is sensible.
Where can I get the VDRL Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore, or book home sample collection.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.