VDRL TITER

What is a VDRL titre test?

The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a blood test used to detect syphilis. It does not directly detect the syphilis-causing bacteria, Treponema pallidum. Instead, it identifies the antibodies your body makes in reaction to antigens, which are chemicals released by bacteria-damaged cells.

It's vital to understand that the VDRL titre test is a screening tool, not a treponemal test. A ' reactive' or positive result indicates a probable infection, but confirmation requires a follow-up, more specific test (a treponemal test such as TP-PA or FTA-ABS).

The VDRL titer is a numerical ratio (e.g., 1:8, 1:16) that determines the concentration of these antibodies, indicating the severity of an ongoing infection or tracking treatment efficacy. VDRL titre is a quantitative measurement of antibodies in the blood.

It is shown as a ratio, like this:

• 1:2
• 1:8
• 1:32

A higher titre suggests a greater concentration of antibodies, which is frequently associated with current or untreated infection. A drop in titre following treatment indicates an effective therapeutic response.

What are the symptoms that may call for a VDRL titre test?

If you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned below, then your doctor might recommend that you get a VDRL titre test done:

• A rash or skin lesion, particularly on your palms or soles.
• Flu-like symptoms include fever, headache, lethargy, and muscular aches.
• Swollen glands.
• Fatigue
• Weight loss.
• Hair loss occurs in spots.
• Genital sores or ulcers, especially those that are painless.

What is the purpose of the VDRL titre test?

The VDRL titre test detects VDRL levels in the blood. The test is used to diagnose the following conditions:

• Routine screening occurs as part of a regular health check-up or pre-employment medical assessment.
• Pregnancy: It is part of normal antenatal treatment to prevent the illness from spreading to the baby (congenital syphilis).
• Suspected Infection: If you experience syphilis signs such as a painless sore (chancre), rash, or fever.
• Screening for Other STDs: If you are being treated for another STD, your doctor may also test for syphilis.
• Monitoring therapy: Checking to see if the syphilis therapy was effective.

How do I prepare for the VDRL titre test?

• Inform if you are suffering from any health condition
• Inform if you are on any medication
• Avoid alcohol 
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Fasting is not required for this test. But if your health care provider asks you to fast for 10-12 hours, then do it.

What is the procedure for a VDRL titre test?

The procedure for the VDRL titre test is very simple and is listed below:

• A phlebotomist will tie a rubber band around your arm so that they can find the vein from which the blood sample will be drawn properly.
• After finding the appropriate vein, an alcohol swab will be used to clean the area, and then a sterile needle will be injected into the vein to collect your blood sample
• During this time, you might feel a slight pinching pain due to needle insertion 
• After the collection of your blood sample. Your puncture site will be covered with a bandage or a cotton ball, and a rubber band will be removed

What does the VDRL titre test report mean?

VDRL results are normally reported as "Non-reactive" or "Reactive" with a specified titer. Here's the breakdown:

• Non-reactivity: This is a poor outcome. It usually indicates that you do not have syphilis. However, if the exposure occurred recently, the test may be negative because your body has not yet created sufficient antibodies.
• Reactive (Low Titer - e.g., 1:1,1:2,1:4): A low titer might imply a variety of reasons. Such as:
  1. A Very Early Infection: Your body is only beginning to create antibodies.
  2. A Successfully Treated Past Infection: Following successful treatment, the titer decreases considerably. However, a low, stable titer can last a lifetime. This is known as a "serofast" state and typically does not necessitate re-treatment.
  3. A False Positive: Other factors that can cause the VDRL test to react include autoimmune illnesses, some viral infections (such as mononucleosis or hepatitis), and even recent vaccinations. This is why a confirmatory test is important.
• Reactive (High Titer - 1:8, 1:16, 1:32 or greater): A higher titer indicates an active syphilis infection. A titer of 1:8 or higher, particularly when associated with symptoms or a history of exposure, nearly invariably necessitates therapy.

Conclusion

The normal VDRL titre test indicates that the test findings are negative. It indicates the lack of syphilis antibodies in your blood sample. You may test positive for syphilis in both the secondary and latent stages. However, false-negative test findings may occur during the early and late stages of syphilis. In this case, a healthcare physician may order additional tests to confirm the syphilis diagnosis. A positive VDRL titre test indicates that you have syphilis. However, your doctor may request more testing to pinpoint the infection. The infection is less sensitive in the early and latent stages, which might lead to false-positive test findings. A VDRL serum test can be performed at your nearby lab or purchased online at a reasonable cost. The cost of a VDRL titre test may vary by city. Consult a healthcare specialist for an accurate prognosis and a better understanding of your VDRL titre test findings. Furthermore, regular monitoring of your body's VDRL levels is essential for tracking the condition and efficiency of any treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of the VDRL titre test?

The full form of the VDRL titre test is Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test

When can I get my VDRL titre test report?

You can get your VDRL titre test report in 24 hours after the blood sample collection

Where can I find a VDRL titre test near me?

You can book your VDRL titre test at the best price in Delhi at city Xray clinic. To know more information, please visit our website.

What is the VDRL titre test cost?

The VDRL titre test price in Delhi may range from INR 400 to INR 800; the prices may vary by diagnostic center based on the location and technology they are using

How is a VDRL titre test done?

A blood sample is used to perform the VDRL titre test. The healthcare provider will use a needle to draw a small amount of blood from an arm vein. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing.