VDRL

Norma
Negative reaction

Synonyms: Veneral Disease Research Laboratory
Serum, liquor
Red cap

VDRL – screening test for syphilis. This test replaces the previously used Wassermann reaction. Non-specific positive reactions can occur in cases of lupus, atypical pneumonia, leprosy, brucellosis, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, malaria. Non-specific positive reactions can also occur in the first days after birth. However, despite them, VDRL remains a useful screening test for syphilis. The reaction becomes positive two weeks after the appearance of the chancre. After another 6 weeks, 90% of patients have a positive reaction. About 9-12 weeks after infection, 100% of patients have a positive reaction. When treating syphilis, VDRL antibody titers decrease. Even without treatment, antibody titers naturally decrease, and after several years they may not be found at all. During advanced syphilis, VDRL may be negative.

Source | Handbook of Basic Laboratory Tests | Doctor of Medical Sciences Gintaras Zaleskis