VDRL - Asking the right Questions

For those who are afraid of asking the right questions


VDRL
This screening test for syphilis measures reaginic antibody. Reaginic antibodies are produced in syphilis as a result of the interaction of the bacteria which causes syphilis (Treponema pallidum) and one's own body. This test is a useful screening tool for syphilis, yet its ability to detect syphilis depends on the stage of the disease.

In the earliest stage of syphilis (primary syphilis) this test is positive approximately 60% of the time. Its usefulness increases with later stages such as secondary syphilis and latent syphilis where it may be positive 70-90% of the time; yet in the final stages (tertiary syphilis) this test is usually positive in only 60% of cases.

There are several conditions which may cause a false positive test -- such as HIV, Lyme disease, mycoplasma pneumonia, malaria, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, this screening test if found to be positive must be confirmed by a more specific test for syphilis such as FTA-ABS.

How its done?
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood).

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. Bingo!!!!


Why the test is performed:
Syphilis is a highly treatable infection. In addition to screening individuals with signs and symptoms of syphilis and/or other sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis screening is a routine part of prenatal care during pregnancy. Several states also require screening for syphilis prior to obtaining a marriage license.


For the terrified
Make sure your weakly reactive VDRL was confirmed positive. All positive VDRL tests require confirmation by a second test. If that was done and it was positive, then you have been infected with syphilis. The weak response in your test probably means you no longer have an active infection, i.e. your immune system has controlled it. It also suggests that you were infected a long time ago. But if you never were treated for syphilis, there is a small chance the infection will reactivate someday, perhaps with serious consequences.

Hope it helps!!!