The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) is a screening blood test for syphilis. The VDRL test is used to screen for syphilis. The VDRL test is a screening that measures substances (proteins), called antibodies, which your body may produce if you have come in contact with the bacteria that cause syphilis.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that falls in the category of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). It is caused by the bacteria called Treponema pallidum.
How is syphilis spread?
People can get infected from syphilis by
- direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sores can be formed on or around the penis, vagina, or anus, or in the rectum, on the lips, or in the mouth
- from an infected mother to her unborn baby.
- Living in extremely germ-infested or unhygienic conditions.
Stages of Syphilis
Syphilis is divided into four categories depending upon different signs and symptoms that can be detected at each stage. Syphilis develops in phases, and symptoms differ with each stage. These stages may overlap, and symptoms don’t always occur in the same order.
By and large, Syphilis infection can fall into subsequent stages.
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Primary syphilis.
The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre that develops on the genitals. Most commonly only one chancre is developed but in some people, it can be more than one. The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure. Most people don’t notice the sore as it’s usually painless or may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will healon its own within three to six weeks.
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Secondary syphilis
After original chancre healing, the Patient may experience a rash that begins on the chest and within few days it spread to the entire body. Though it is not itchy, it may grow small pink sores in the mouth or genital area.
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Latent syphilis
If syphilis is not treated at the secondary level, the infection moves from the secondary stage to the Latent stage. This stage has no symptoms hence it’s called the latent or hidden stage. The latent stage can last for years. Signs and symptoms may never return, or the disease may progress to the third and perilous stage.
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Tertiary syphilis
About 15% to 30% of people infected with syphilis who don’t get treatment will develop complications known as Tertiary syphilis. In the late stage, the disease may damage your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. These problems may occur many years after the original, untreated infection.
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Neurosyphilis
At any stage, syphilis can spread and, among other damage, cause damage to the brain and nervous system (Neurosyphilis) and the eye (ocular syphilis).
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Congenital syphilis
Babies born to women who have syphilis can become infected through the placenta or during birth. Babies born with syphilis can also be born too early, be born dead (stillborn), or die after birth.
Symptoms of Syphilis Infection
The following condition may indicate syphilis infection at different stages.
- A round, firm, painless (often the first sign)
- A rash on different parts of the body
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
These symptoms are usually wiped out within the first few weeks. It is also observed that these sometimes appear time and again for a whole year.
How VDRL SYPHILIS is performed?
The VDRL test is performed on blood or spinal fluid. the lab technician draws the required sample of blood using a needle in a 100% germ-free and professional environment.
In the lab, heated serum or unheated cerebrospinal fluid is mixed with reagin (a purified mixture of lipids such as cardiolipin, lecithin, and cholesterol) on a glass slide, and flocculation, or clumping, of the mixture, is read microscopically as “reactive†(if clumping occurs) or “nonreactive†(if there is no clumping).
Understanding VDRL Syphilis Report.
A negative or “nonreactive” test may specify:
- The patient is not infected with syphilis
- The patient is infected but is in the initial stage so the test has not yet turned positive.
- The patient may have syphilis, but his/her immune system is impaired.
A positive or “reactive” test may specify:
- The patient is infected by syphilis.
- The patient was infected by syphilis, was treated, but the test has not yet returned to negative.
VDRL Syphilis test at Awami Lab Gujrat
Whenever you feel any of the above-mentioned conditions or have any doubt about your health visit Awami Lab Gujrat for the authentic and reliable VDRL Syphilis Screening test. We will facilitate you with high-tech machines and a team of professional & specialized Phlebotomists and lab technicians who will help you through the whole course of the VDRL Syphilis screening test for anti-bodies.
