What is VDRL blood test for?

The VDRL test is a screening test for syphilis. It measures substances (proteins), called antibodies, which your body may produce if you have come in contact with the bacteria that cause syphilis. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

Which is better RPR or VDRL?

Specificity was lower for all three CSF nontreponemal tests for diagnosis of symptomatic neurosyphilis. Nonetheless, the specificity of the CSF-RPR for diagnosis of symptomatic disease was significantly better than the CSF-VDRL.

Which antigen is used in VDRL test?

The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is a microflocculation test for syphilis that uses an antigen containing cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol.

What is the antigen used in VDRL and how is it obtained?

The rapid plasma reagin test is a refinement of the VDRL. It uses purified cardiolipin-lecithin-cholesterol antigen to detect the anticardiolipin antibodies produced by treponemal infection.

What is treatment for VDRL positive?

The preferred treatment at all stages is penicillin, an antibiotic medication that can kill the organism that causes syphilis.

How long is VDRL positive?

Abnormal white blood cell count and protein level in the CSF should decrease by 6 months if no coexisting CNS infections are present, but CSF-VDRL test results may remain reactive for at least 2 years.

What is VDRL negative?

Blood. A negative VDRL blood test result suggests there is no evidence of an infection. Typically, people who get a negative result do not require additional testing. However, people who have a high risk of syphilis may want to consider getting routine screening tests about every 3 months .

What is the best medicine for syphilis?

The preferred treatment at all stages is penicillin, an antibiotic medication that can kill the organism that causes syphilis. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor may suggest another antibiotic or recommend penicillin desensitization.

What is one of the first signs of syphilis?

The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. While most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, some people develop several of them. The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure.

How long does Vdrl stay positive after treatment?

VDRL test titers should decline at least 4-fold within 3–6 months after therapy for primary or secondary syphilis, and within 12–24 months for latent syphilis.

What are the signs of syphilis in a man?

A person with primary syphilis generally has a sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on or around the genitals, around the anus or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. These sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless.