VDRL Report Format
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What is the VDRL Test?
The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It detects the presence of antibodies against substances released by damaged cells, a result of syphilis infection.
What is a VDRL Report Format?
A VDRL report presents the result of the test, indicating the presence or absence of syphilis infection. It is often used for initial screening and may require confirmation with more specific tests like the FTA-ABS or TPPA.
Tests Included in VDRL Report
Test | Description |
VDRL | Detects non-specific antibodies (reagin antibodies) produced in response to syphilis infection. |
Key Parts of a VDRL Report
Key Part | Description |
Sample Type | Serum or plasma (blood sample). |
Test Method | Flocculation test or non-treponemal antigen assay. |
Result | Reported as Reactive, Non-Reactive, or Weakly Reactive. |
Interpretation | Provides clinical context based on the result. |
Reference Range for VDRL Report
Result | Interpretation |
Non-Reactive | No syphilis infection detected |
Weakly Reactive | Low level of antibodies; possible early infection or past exposure |
Reactive | Strongly suggests current or past syphilis infection—requires confirmatory testing |
Parameters to Consider in VDRL Report
Parameter | Interpretation |
Reactive VDRL | Indicates possible syphilis infection—requires confirmation via treponemal tests (FTA-ABS or TPPA). |
Non-Reactive | No evidence of syphilis infection—could also be early in infection or false negative. |
Weakly Reactive | May suggest early syphilis, reinfection, or previous untreated syphilis. Further confirmatory testing is needed. |
Guidelines for VDRL Report Format
Guideline | Description |
Confirmatory Testing | Reactive results should always be followed by confirmatory tests (FTA-ABS, TPPA). |
Clinical Correlation | Symptom history and risk factors (e.g., recent sexual exposure) should be considered. |
Multiple Testing | If in doubt, repeat testing and perform both VDRL and treponemal tests. |
What Do the Results Mean?
Result Type | Interpretation |
Non-Reactive | No syphilis infection detected at the time of testing. |
Weakly Reactive | Possible early syphilis, past infection, or a false-positive result. Further testing needed. |
Reactive | Likely syphilis infection, but requires confirmation through more specific tests. |
VDRL Report Interpretation
Test | Interpretation |
VDRL | Initial screening test for syphilis. A reactive or weakly reactive result suggests the possibility of syphilis, which should be confirmed by treponemal-specific tests. |
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