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VDRL (RPR) Test Overview
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is prescribed to diagnose a sexually transmitted infectious disease known as syphilis. The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test is also used to screen for syphilis. However, the VDRL test and the RPR test are different. Contrary to belief, these tests are not used to detect the bacterium treponema pallidum, which is known to cause syphilis.
Instead, the tests detect the antibodies your body is expected to create in the presence of the bacterium mentioned above. The antibodies are proteins your body develops to fight off bacteria and toxins.
The VDRL or RPR test is not prescribed only when patients show symptoms of syphilis. This routine test is prescribed to women before or during pregnancy as a part of prenatal care. The tests can also be used to diagnose syphilis in patients with symptoms. However, considering the risk of false positives, doctors may prescribe additional tests to ensure the syphilis diagnosis is accurate. Here are some symptoms that may warrant doctors prescribing a VDRL test.
Skin rashes
Sores on the body
Swelling of lymph nodes around the sores
The results of a VDRL test or RPR test are expressed as either negative or positive. A negative result implies that the patient doesn’t have syphilis, while a positive result may mean the patient has syphilis. In case of a positive test result, doctors usually prescribe a different test known as the TPHA/FTA-ABS test to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis.
The RPR and VDRL tests are effective in diagnosing syphilis in later stages. There are certain conditions like HIV, AIDS, Lyme disease, systemic lupus, malaria, and certain types of pneumonia that can lead to a false positive result of the RPR or VDRL test.
The RPR and VDRL test procedure involves drawing blood from the veins in the patient’s arm. One of the unique aspects of this VDRL test procedure is that the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or syringe before sending it off for testing. Patients do not need to go through any special prerequisites before going through these tests. Connect with your local Aster Labs diagnostic centre for accurate information about VDRL test price today.