VDRL Test (RPR, Serum)

RPR is done to screen presence of Syphilis in people with high risk of contracting infection & as a part of screening panel for all pregnant women (to prevent congenital infections). 
RPR is a semi-quantitative assay and it helps in monitoring progression of disease and also to assess response to treatment.

• The VDRL RPR By Flocculation - Serum test is done to detect if you have syphilis.
• It is also used as a screening test for pregnant women.

RPR detects nonspecific antibodies (Both IgM& IgG) in blood which are produced in response to lipoidal material released from damaged patient cells.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

A blood sample is required for the test. An elastic tourniquet is securely fastened to the upper arm. A fist is then requested from the patient. This makes it easier for the veins to fill with blood. Before inserting the needle, the skin is cleaned, and a vacutainer is used to collect the blood sample. A prick may be felt when the needle is inserted. Tenderness or bruising, if any, at the injection site is short-lived and usually resolves with time.

A negative result means patient is not suffering from syphilis.
A positive test with titre >= 1:8 is conidered significant which may indicate ongoing or recent infection.
Diagnosis should be confirmed by TPHA (Treponemal test). 
Reactive titre< 1:8 is often associated with biological false positives which may occure during pregnancy, alcohol consumption and in conditions like malaria, hepatitis, mumps, Leprosy, infectious mononucleosis, collagen tissue diseases  
Demonstrating a four fold rise in titre in paired sample is more meaningful than single estimate

If the test is negative, the patient does not have syphilis.

A substantial positive test result is one with a titer >= 1:8, which could signify an active or recent infection. The TPHA should confirm the diagnosis (Treponemal test). Reactive titer 1:8 is frequently linked to biological false positives, which can happen during pregnancy or while drinking alcohol, and in disorders including leprosy, infectious mononucleosis, malaria, hepatitis, mumps, and lupus.

It is more significant to demonstrate a four-fold increase in titer in a matched sample than in a single estimate.

The VDRL RPR By Flocculation - Serum test is a non-treponemal test that detects antibodies (Reagin) against fat-like materials released from infected and damaged cells of the body and the infectious agent. The test involves mixing heat-inactivated patient serum with a specific antigen that binds to the antibodies and leads to clumping indicating a positive reaction.

When a person suspected of having syphilis gets a negative dark field microscopy result, the VDRL is suggested. It can be utilized for qualitative and quantitative assessments.

The are no preparations required for the VDRL RPR By Flocculation - Serum test. However, it is best to inform your doctor if you are taking any regular medications before taking the test.

All instances of primary syphilis and most cases of secondary syphilis, give a positive result in VDRL tests.

It depends upon the stage at which syphilis has been detected. If detected early, it responds well to treatment. However, in more advanced stages of syphilis, the progression of the disease may be halted but the damage cannot be cured.

Condoms are known to greatly reduce the risk of acquiring any sexually transmitted disease that includes syphilis. It is best to avoid having sex with a person who has active sores of syphilis in the mouth, anal, or genital area.

If there is a possibility you have syphilis, your doctor will probably ask for a VDRL test. The following early signs may cause your doctor to request this test -

• One small, painless sore.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• A non-itching skin rash.

One particular test performed as a follow-up test for patients who have tested positive for RPR is the treponemal test, also known as the Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination test (TPHA).

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test

Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR/ VDRL)

The VDRL test price can vary depending on factors such as location, laboratory, and healthcare provider. However, it is generally considered an affordable test due to its simplicity and widespread use.

The VDRL test detects non-treponemal antibodies produced by the body in response to antigens released by cells damaged by the Treponema pallidum bacteria, which causes syphilis.

VDRL test reports indicate presence and level (titer) of non-treponemal antibodies. A positive result suggests syphilis infection, but it must also be confirmed with a treponemal test. A negative result indicates no evidence of syphilis infection.

If the VDRL test is positive, it indicates the presence of syphilis antibodies, but a confirmatory treponemal test (such as FTA-ABS, TP-PA, or EIA) is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

The benefits of the VDRL test include an early detection of syphilis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, detecting new infections in previously treated individuals, and its low cost and simplicity, making it widely accessible.

The risks associated with the VDRL blood test are minimal and primarily related to the blood draw process, such as bleeding, infection, bruising, or feeling lightheaded. Serious complications are rare.

Yes, the VDRL test can give false-positive results due to various factors such as HIV, Lyme disease, malaria, certain types of pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, IV drug use, and tuberculosis.

The frequency of the VDRL test depends on individual risk factors. High-risk groups should get tested regularly, and pregnant women should be tested at first prenatal visit, 28 weeks of pregnancy, and delivery.

No, the VDRL test does not detect herpes. It is specifically used for screening and monitoring syphilis infection.

The VDRL test may not always be accurate. It can produce false-negative results during the early or late stages of syphilis and false-positive results due to other conditions. Confirmation with a treponemal test is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

No, fasting is not required before taking the VDRL test. However, your doctor may advise otherwise based on specific circumstances.

Factors that can affect VDRL test results include early or late stages of syphilis infection, other infections or autoimmune diseases, vaccinations, HIV infection, IV drug use, and certain medical conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus.

VDRL test results are usually available after 6 hours, although the exact time might vary depending on the healthcare provider and the timing of sample collection and processing.